Abstract: The invention relates to an anode used in the electrolytic refining of copper, said anode (1) comprising two support parts (2), whereby the anode (1) is suspended during the electrolytic process against the electrolytic tank walls. According to the invention, in the anode support parts (2) there are formed brackets (3) for gripping the anode (1) and for supporting the anode (1) when it is being transferred from one position to another.

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 mandrel for forming an inkjet printer nozzle plate having a non-wetting surface of uniform thickness and an orifice wall of tapered contour, and method of making the mandrel. A metal masking layer is deposited on a glass substrate, the masking layer having an opening therethrough for passage of light only through the opening. Next, a negative photoresist layer is deposited on the masking layer, the negative photoresist layer being capable of photochemically reacting with the light. A light source passes light through the substrate, so that the light also passes only through the opening in the form of a tapered light cone. This tapered light cone will define the tapered contour of a nozzle plate orifice wall to be formed. The negative photoresist layer photochemically reacts with the light only in the light cone to define a light-exposed region of hardened negative photoresist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a styrene-maleic acid polyethyleneoxy ester copolymer from compositions comprising a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyethyleneglycol and polyethyleneglycol monoalkyl ether (in a weight ratio of from 0 to 100% relative to the polythyleneglycol), the copolymer produced therefrom, an ion-conducting thin membrane composition produced with an electrolytic salt, an ion-conducting thin membrane containing the copolymer and a process for producing the same, a solid electrochemical material containing the copolymer. The copolymer according the present invention has a high solubility in organic solvent, a good rubber elasticity. The ion-conducting thin membrane comprising this copolymer and an electrolytic salt as major components has an excellent mechanical property, a high adhesive strength and a high ion conductivity at room temperature.

Abstract: A mist preventing cover for an electrode has an upper end which surrounds and is sealed to an electrode above the surface of the electrolyte in an electrowinning cell to thereby form a substantially closed chamber above the electrolyte surface. The lower end of the cover extends below the electrolyte surface and prevents escape of bubbles generated at the surfaces of the electrode, while permitting the passage of electrolyte to the electrode. The bubbles rise to the surface of the electrolyte, where they burst and generate a mist in the closed chamber formed by the electrode cover. The mist contains droplets having substantially the same composition as the electrolyte, as well as gaseous components including water vapor, gas generated by the electrode, and entrapped ambient air.

Abstract: A filter has a first filter layer made of TiO.sub.2 of Ti.sub.4 O.sub.7 particles deposited on a second filter layer by stainless steel particles. The first layer has a smaller pore size than the second layer. The construction of the filter, the relative thicknesses of the layers and the resistances thereof to movement therethrough of electrolytically generated gas located between the two layers when the filter is permeated with liquid are such that the gas reaches the upstream side of the filter before the downstream side. In one embodiment stainless steel particles are sintered and rolled with a textured roller before ceramic particles are applied and rolled. An intermediate layer of metal particle peaks and ceramic filled troughs is thus provided which has high tortuosity. The resistance to flow at the metal/ceramic interface can be increased by electrodeposition of metal there.

Abstract: A method and a device for releasing electrolytically deposited cathode plates from each side of a mother plate. At least one roller is pressed against the surface of the deposited cathode plate, and the roller is moved along the surface of the deposited cathode plate in order to cause the release of the deposited cathode plate from the mother plate at least in the rolled area.

Abstract: In an electroforming method for making metal products having a pattern of openings separated by dykes using a mandrel in an electroplating bath, metal from the bath is deposited on at least two electrically mutually insulated regions. Said regions comprise at least one main pattern for product dykes to be formed, which main pattern is electrically insulated from at least one ancillary pattern for a reinforcement to be formed. In the method according to the invention, first the ancillary pattern is connected to a current source in order to form reinforcement thereon and in order to effect an electrical connection between the ancillary pattern and the main pattern by means of the growing metal. During the continuation of the method, reinforcement is thickened and the product dykes are formed. A strong product having different thicknesses is therefore obtained in one step. A mandrel suitable for use in the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cathode element for the production of electrolytic copper, and more particularly to an improved cathode element of the reusable type which includes a cathode plate. With the intention of preventing a sleeve-like copper build-up around the cathode plate, the cathode element is provided with electrically insulating edge strips along at least those side edges of the cathode element which, in an active position, are located in the electrolyte bath, wherein the electrically insulating edge strips are chemically bonded to the cathode plate, preferably by vulcanization or by gluing.

Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a mother plate used in electrolytic cleaning and to the mother plate which plate comprises a metal plate (1), a plate support member (2) and a plastic edge strip (6) provided on at least one of the sides (3,4,5) of the metal plate (1). According to the invention, in order to form the edge strip (6), in the mother plate (1) there is attached a mold (7) provided with an extruder (11) for extruding the edge strip material (12), so that the extruder (11) is made to proceed, with respect to the mold (7), essentially along the whole length of the mold (7), and that prior to detaching the mold (7) from the mother plate (1), the edge strip material (12), such as ethylenic acid copolymer, is rendered in an essentially solid form. Moreover, according to the invention at least two opposite sides (3,4) of the mother plate (1) are provided with an edge strip (6).

Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween for oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.

Abstract: Metal is electrolytically precipitated on a cathode plate except for a portion thereof. The non-precipitated portion enables easy peeling of the precipitated metal from the cathode plate. The ceramic coating film is formed on the non-precipitated portion and prevents intrusion of electrolytic acid between the ceramic coating film and the cathode plate. The life of the coating is prolonged. The polishing of the cathode plate can be automatized.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing zinc particle deposits from substantially the entire face of a major surface of an electrode in an electrochemical bath, the apparatus comprising a plate attached to actuating means for affecting relative movement between the plate and the major surface of the electrode, the plate being provided with a scraper blade-retaining slot along one of its edges, and further comprising a scraper blade removably inter-engaged with the slot, the blade extending from the slot towards the surface of the electrode, and extending substantially along the entire length of the major surface of the electrode, the actuating means being arranged to move the scraper from a first position to a second position in a first downward stroke to affect scraping of individual zinc particle deposits from substantially the entire face of the major surface of an adjacent electrode and then to return the blade from the second position to the first position in a second upward stroke.

Abstract: An improved electro-refining plate and system which uses the same, in which each electro-refining plate has an edge protector covering the edge of the plate which is exposed to the mineral solution. The edge protector is non-conducting and is secured to the plate using heat and pressure to fuse the edge protector to itself through a series of holes positioned along the edge of the plate. In the preferred embodiment, the edge protector is composed of a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Some embodiments of the invention also use rubber gaskets between the edge protector and the plate; still other embodiments employ an adhesive in conjunction with the fusing action.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.

Abstract: A titanium ring for an electrodeposition drum has an attractive, uniform surface without patterns comprising bright and dark spots which are formed during surface polishing. The ring has a thickness of 4-30 mm and a surface hardness when it has been polished to an average surface roughness Ra of at most 0.3 .mu.m such that the difference between the maximum and minimum Vickers hardness measured with a load of at most 1 kg at 10 or more points disposed at a pitch of 0.3-1 mm along a line in an arbitrary direction along the surface is at most 10. The ring can be manufactured by welding of a rolled plate or by ring rolling of a tube. When the temperature of the material forming the ring is heated to at least its .beta. transformation point, cooling past the .beta. transformation point is carried out at a rate of at least 1000.degree. C. per hour. Subsequent working or heat treatment is carried out below the .beta. transformation point.

Abstract: An electroforming process and apparatus for forming an electroform with a roughened surface. The present invention roughens the surface of the mandrel using a sandblasting device in the center region of the mandrel allowing the two end regions to remain smooth. The intersection of the roughened center region and each of the two end regions form a step. This step on either side of the roughened center region facilitates sealing while the roughened center region enables toner distribution. The electroform created using the step roughened mandrel surface is separated from the mandrel without destroying the mandrel. The step roughened mandrel can then be reused to create another electroform with a roughened surface.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in electrowinning includes a cathode in the form of a plate. The cathode has a pair of parallel vertical edges, and a horizontal bottom edge which runs between the vertical edges and defines respective corners therewith. An edge strip is mounted on each of the vertical edges as well as on the bottom edge. The bottom edge strip has an end at either corner, and each end of the bottom edge strip is in abutment with the lower end of the adjoining vertical edge strip. A corner protector is located at each corner and has a vertical channel which receives the lower end of the respective vertical edge strip, a horizontal channel which receives the respective end of the bottom edge strip, and a cutout which receives the cathode.

Abstract: A two-part reusable mask to protect objects to be plated. The mask can be used for painting, chemical treatment or other treatments. By adjusting the shape of the mask, any object can be plated. In the case of coins or medallions, a two sided mask is formed. For use with coins, the coin is laid on a piece of glass. A dam is formed around the coin. A quantity of ultraviolet-sensitive liquid polymer is poured on and around the coin. The dam is covered with another piece of glass and the mold is clamped and cured. The mold is removed and an exact copy of the coin is left in the rubber. The rubber mask is then placed on a hard surface and the areas to be plated are cut out. After the mask is cut out, it is placed back over the coin and aligned. A piece of clear, hard plastic is bonded to the rubber using a clear adhesive. After the glue is cured, the plastic is cut out to match the corresponding pattern cut in the rubber. The mask is then ready to use.

Abstract: A facility for removing electro-deposited layers from cathodes, including a cathode reception area, a cathode treatment area with a cathode washing apparatus and an extraction apparatus, and a storage area to store cathodes which have had electro-deposited layers removed. The extraction apparatus includes vertical claws and two parallel rollers mounted so that they are capable of turning freely upon two horizontal parallel bars. The bars are fixed between pairs of arms that are mounted so that they may tilt on a bracket. The bracket also carries upper separating rollers.

Abstract: An electrode edge protector that includes an elongate strip having a substantially H-shaped cross-section in combination with an expansion member. The elongate strip comprises two lever-arm portions made of rigid material that define a longitudinal edge slot for receiving and wrapping around the edge of an electrode and an opposing expansion slot for receiving the expansion member. The rigid lever-arm portions are interconnected between the slots by a coextruded hinge member made of resilient material which enhances the ability of the edge strip to adhere to the electrode in the edge slot as a result of the force exerted by the expansion member in the expansion slot.

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode onto which a thick-electrodeposited copper product is deposited for producing an electrolytic copper product, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector is taught such that its top end is angled downward from its center outward at an angle of less than twenty degrees to prevent creation of sharp edges and difficulty in removal. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto an electrolysis electrode without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. Both a hollowed and a tapered spreader bar are taught for end insertion.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are disclosed for fabricating an endless metal belt comprising a center region between a first end region and a second end region, wherein a portion of the first end region is at least 1.5 times thicker than the center region, thereby resulting in a thickened end portion.

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

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector includes a sealing member made of a sealing material such as silicone rubber, either integrally formed with the inner jaws, or affixed after forming. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto a mother blank without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. A tapered spreader bar for end insertion, and embodiments of spreader bars having flattened surfaces for edgewise insertion and then rotation for tightening are disclosed.

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: Electrical data is recorded and retrieved by producing and detecting impedance change. A layer of high resistivity material on a conductive substrate is used as the recording layer. A conductive probe pressing on it is used for sending writing or reading electrical current flowing in a direction normal to its surface. A large enough electrical voltage pulse is applied on this probe, causing electro-forming in a data spot in the recording layer under the probe, turning the local resistance of this data spot from high to low. This change in resistance or more generally, change in impedance, is utilized to write data. Several kinds of impedance detecting circuits, utilizing the principle of voltage divider circuit or field effect transistors are employed in data reading. A large number of writing/reading units can be integrated compactly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an edge strip for a cathode plate. The edge strip comprises a non-inflatable elongate body of a thermoplastic material which body includes a longitudinal opening to accommodate an edge of the cathode plate and at least one continuous longitudinal internal groove on an inside surface of the opening.

Abstract: A process for separating an electrodeposited metal from a cathode plate in electrolytic refining is disclosed. The cathode plate on which the metal is electrodeposited is first held. Then, heated air is blown toward the cathode plate and the electrodeposited metal thereon. As a result, the electrodeposited metal is separated from the cathode plate. An apparatus for carrying out the same process is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a separating furnace, a holding assembly, and a device for introducing heated air into the separating furnace. The holding assembly is attached to the separating furnace for holding the cathode plate in the furnace. The heated air-introducing device introduces heated air, blowing it against the cathode plate, whereby the electrodeposited metal is separated from the cathode plate.

Abstract: Installation for removing zinc deposited by electrolysis aluminum plates. The installation includes a storage zone for zinc cathode (1), a zinc scraping zone (2) and a storage zone (3) for zinc-free cathodes, the cathodes being displaced consecutively from one zone to another. The scraping zone (2) has a horizontally acting lateral piercer (22) that separates the upper edge of the sheets of deposited zinc from the cathodes, and a vertically acting scraping device (23) for removing all the zinc sheets.On one of their vertical sides, the cathodes have an upper zone of lesser thickness to which is fixed coatings (76) of dielectric material, whose surface is coplanar with that of the cathode plate (70).

Abstract: A process for producing a copper-clad laminate, which comprises a step (S2) of forming a copper foil of at least several micrometers on a planar conductive substrate by electrolysis, a step (S3) of roughening the surface of the copper foil, a step (S4) of laminating the copper foil together with the conductive substrate on an insulating substrate and tightly integrating the assembly by applying pressure and heat, and a step (S5) of separating only the conductive substrate. A metal film may exist between the conductive substrate and the copper foil. When the metal film has a thickness of 0.1 to 3 .mu.m, only the conductive substrate is separated with the metal film being firmly adhered to the copper foil surface and, when the metal film has a thickness of 70 to 250 .mu.m, it is separated together with the conductive substrate after the lamination. The copper foil formed by high-speed plating under the conditions of 6 to 12.0 m/sec in solution contact speed and 0.8 to 4.0 A/cm.sup.

Abstract: The mold for producing a perforated body to be used as a friction spinning element comprises a mold body provided with throughpass holes extending between the opposite mold body surfaces. Each of the throughpass holes is filled with a non-conducting material. Thus, there can be simultaneously formed by electroforming at the opposite mold body surfaces two perforated bodies which may be of the same or different thickness. By virtue of the simultaneous fabrication of the two perforated bodies the openings or perforations thereof are exactly in alignment or coincident and, if desired, these two perforated bodies can be secured to one another in superposed orientation to form a composite friction spinning element, such as a friction spinning plate or disc or an endless friction spinning belt or band.

Abstract: A die for electroforming a nickel sheath thereon is provided with a groove filled with a non-conductive material at the desired dimension of the sheath. The die has an exposed portion beyond the dimensions of the sheath.

Abstract: A cylindrical electroforming mandrel and method of fabricating and using same, the mandrel having a substantially cylindrical mandrel core having substantially parallel sides and at least one tapered end having curved sides which converge toward an apex, and a plated metal coating on the parallel sides and the tapered end, the profile of an axial cross section of the tapered end from the intersection between the curved sides and the parallel sides to about the apex having the shape of half an ellipse defined by the formula: ##EQU1## where: a=1/2 the length of the major axis of the ellipse and has a value between about 2.3b and about 1.7b,b=1/2 the height of the minor axis of the ellipse and has a value at least about 1,000 times greater than the thickness of said plated metal coating on said parallel sides, andx and y define a point lying along the outer surface of the ellipse measured from the center of the ellipse.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an embossed article of synthetic resin comprising heating a synthetic resin sheet to a softening temperature; overlaying the heated synthetic resin sheet on an embossing die made by an electro-chemical molding process and having an embossing surface with an embossing pattern thereon and a multitude of fine vacuum pores distributed uniformly over the entire embossing surface; and forcing the synthetic resin sheet against the embossing surface by applying suction through the fine vacuum pores to imprint the embossing pattern onto the synthetic resin sheet.

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrowinning electrode includes a dual-durometer co-extruded structure including a rigid U-shaped member having parallel legs that define slots receiving an edge of the electrode and a pair of resilient lips attached to the ends of the legs and pressing tightly against the opposed edge surface portions of the electrode to impede penetration of electrolyte thereto.

Abstract: A reusable mandrel and method of making a reusable mandrel is presented. This mandrel has a substrate with a conductive film layer. Upon the conductive film layer, a dielectric mold resides. An etched thin film mandrel is also presented. This mandrel has a substrate covered with a conductive film layer. This conductive film layer is etched to form a mold for the device to be manufactured. These mandrels facilitate the manufacture of high quality precision devices. In particular, they can be used to manufacture orifice plates for thermal ink jet printers by electrodeposition process.

Abstract: A cathode for use in the electrolytic refining of copper which comprises a carrying bar and a flat starting plate, which is secured to the carrying bar and made of special steel and provided with electrically insulating edge strips at least at its vertical longitudinal edges, which are formed in their edge faces with a groove, which contains an edge strip, that is made of a natural or synthetic polymer and fits into said groove and protrudes from the edge throughout its length. To prevent a deposition of metal in the critical region, the insulating edge strip which has been fitted into the dovetail groove has been formed by a longitudinal folding of a polymer film and contains at its fold line a wire of special steel, and the side portions of said film are coextensive and lie one over the other and are liquid-tightly joined to each other. The invention relates also to a process of manufacturing the cathode.

Abstract: A tool for producing a pattern of highly accurate optical quality surfaces and the method of making same from a series of bi-metallic pins. A high strength metal pin is coupled to a slug of metal of lesser strength capable of being accurately scribed. The supporting pin blank preferably is magnetic stainless steel and the slug is of copper. A group of such bi-metallic pins then is placed in an appropriate fixture after which an optical configuration, such as the three faces of a cube-corner element, are scribed into the copper ends. A completed tool may then be electroformed to produce an electroformed tool from an array of the like or different pins, arranged in various patterns.

Abstract: Reusable mandrels for fabricating bumped circuit base sheets may be formed by alternative methods. One method involves the selective etching of a copper sheet to develop pits or cavities at predetermined locations. A thin plating layer is deposited on the base sheet, covering the surface including the depressions to form the mandrel. After passivation of the plated surface, copper is plated thereon to form the sheet with the bumps in place. This sheet is then peeled off the mandrel so that the mandrel may be reused for making subsequent bumped sheets. An alternative method of forming the reusable mandrel involves the selected build-up of a base metal sheet by plating with a compatible material about islands of photoresist. Thereafter, the photoresist is removed, leaving cavities where the islands had been. This surface is then plated with a thin layer of nickel to form the permanent mandrel.

Abstract: A wave guide is made through electrolytically depositing metal on a die and template member which is constructed so that certain fittings can be fastened thereto which will become embedded in parts in the wall of the guide wave made through the electrolytic deposition process. The fastening is made in a releasable manner so that the die can be reused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroforming process and mandrel which utilize a photomask substrate. The process comprises preparing an electroforming mandrel consisting of a photomask substrate, a continuous transparent conductive film on a surface of the substrate, and a discontinuous layer of photoresist which defines a pattern on the surface of the conductive film. A cathodic connector is attached to the conductive film of the electroforming mandrel and anodic connector is attached to an electrode comprising metal to be deposited on the mandrel. The mandrel and the metal electrode are immersed into an electroforming solution and electric current is established through the electrodes and solution. Electrodeposition of the metal is carried out to the desired thickness to electroform the metallic part on the mandrel.

Abstract: A cathode head assembly is provided for holding a matrix during electroforming of a replica on the surface of the matrix. The cathode head assembly has a support member with an outer diameter at least as large as the matrix to be replicated; a compressable seal member positioned about the outer diameter of the support member; an outer ring member having means for engaging the seal member and having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support member and a means for locking the outer ring in a position when the seal is held against the outer ring in compressed sealing engagement with a matrix mounted on the support member.

Abstract: A cathode matrix is provided for producing dislodgeable metal slugs of electrolytically deposited metal comprising a laminar metal substrate having an array of raised bosses with exposed flat faces distributed over the substrate and integral therewith. The total surface of the cathode is covered by an adherent layer of an electrolyte resistant, substantially impermeable, low electrical conductivity material, such as fluorinated hydrocarbon, except for the exposed faces of the bosses, the exposed faces being adapted to receive electrodeposited metal thereon.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of stampers having formed inner and outer edges is provided in which the inner and outer edges are electroformed in the required configuration by using electroforming guides at the inner edge, the outer edge and preferably both edges.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for production of plastic optical fiber connectors specifically for production of plastic plug ferrules employable for plastic optical fiber connectors, wherein improvements are realized to decrease the production cost thereof, to enable accurate finished dimension thereof, to enhance the advantage of mass production thereof, and to decrease the connection loss thereof.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for attaching a record matrix to be replicated by electroforming to the cathode of an electroforming device is provided. The apparatus includes a positioning pin which maintains the record matrix center hole concentric to the cathode and to the replicated grooves and a lock knob which effectively holds the center portion of the record matrix in liquid-tight electrical contact with the cathode.

Abstract: A tool for producing a pattern of highly accurate and optical quality surfaces and the method of making same from a series of bi-metallic pins. A high strength metal pin is coupled to a slug of metal of lesser strength capable of being accurately scribed. The supporting pin blank preferably is magnetic stainless steel and the slug is of copper. A group of such bi-metallic pins then is placed in an appropriate fixture after which an optical configuration, such as the three faces of a cube-corner element, are scribed into the copper ends. A completed tool may then be electroformed to produce an electroformed tool from an array of like or different pins, arranged in various patterns.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for brushing electrodes such as cathodes used in the electrowinning of zinc and copper wherein opposite surfaces of laterally moving electrodes are cleaned in the area of solution lines with a first pair of stationary, opposed, rotating auxiliary brushes and immediately thereafter the opposite surfaces of stationary electrodes are cleaned below the solution line and between edge sticks with a second pair of vertically moving, opposed, rotating main brushes. The main brushes are pivotally mounted on a pair of vertically-reciprocal carriages having means to center an electrode therebetween.