Abstract: A method for repairing a blade forming a cathode and having a surface to be coated defining a critical area, utilizing an anode, an electrolyte bath including insoluble particles, and a mounting on which the blade is mounted in a working position relative to a reference wall. The mounting is placed in the bath, and the particles and the metal of the anode are co-deposited to form the coating on the surface to be coated. The anode is typically placed facing the critical area and the mounting includes a mechanism for monitoring current lines to obtain a coating with a relatively constant, predetermined thickness for the critical area, that gradually falls to a value of substantially zero along edges of the coating.

Abstract: A long-acting composite-basket anode combination device comprising an outer frame for combination, two or more composite-basket anodes that allow feeding in batches, and an insoluble anode plate electrically connected with a power supply and mounted on each of the composite-basket anodes; the two or more composite-basket anodes are fixed on the outer frame for combination through a fixing device, respectively, the composite-basket anode includes a basket body, a plug-in strainer and a large-hole pressing plate; the large-hole pressing plate is fitted on both sides of the basket body and fixing the strainer inside the basket body to form a feed bin with an upper end opening. The present invention combines the soluble anode electrolytic refining principle with the two cathode metal production processes, and thus achieving one-step electrolytic refining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electroplating basket, including: a basket member of which one surface facing a subject to be plated is formed in a mesh structure; and a blind member combined with one surface of the basket member and including a plurality of shielding plates capable of being independently opened or closed depending on region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anode assembly for electroplating comprising (a) an anode body comprising soluble anode material and (b) a shielding covering at least part of the anode body and comprising a self-passivating metal electrically connected to the anode body and allowing electrolyte transport therethrough. The shielding comprises at least one layer of self-passivating metal having no openings larger than 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, in width or the shielding comprises at least two layers of self-passivating metal wherein the openings of at least one layer are at least partially covered by the metal of another layer. The invention also relates to a shielded anode basket, a method for electroplating and the use of the anode assembly and the shielded anode basket.

Abstract: A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside.

Abstract: A novel semiconductor wafer lifter is disclosed for handling wafers during wet bench processing. In particular, the lifter has a plurality of holes formed in its vertical support surface to allow cleaning or rinsing fluid to flow through the vertical support instead of around its sides. These holes facilitates a constant flow of fluid across the wafer during recirculation of the tank contents during etching and rinsing operations, thus ensuring more even etching of all wafers and minimizing the deposition of particulate matter on wafer surfaces.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas detector includes a superhydrophobic, nanostructured gas porous electrode. The electrode exhibits a physically disrupted porous region. In an embodiment, electrode material can be deposited around a templating material which is removed before use. Such electrodes exhibit repeatable and reproducible characteristics.

Abstract: A system for producing metal particles using a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, and methods for manufacturing the cathode. The cathode has a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The active zones are spaced from one another by between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm, and each has a surface area no less than about 0.02 square mm. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size. The geometry and composition of the active zones are specified to promote the growth of high quality particles suitable for use in metal/air fuel cells. Cathodes may be formed from bundled wire, machined metal, chemical etching, or chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: On an apparatus for electrochemical precision machining, the tool holder (1) performing the oscillatory motion is supported by bearing bushes (25, 26) made of a swelling material within a casing (2) performing the feed motion. The swelling, cooling and lubricating liquid is supplied from liquid chambers (4, 5) provided in the casing. A further liquid chamber (6) prevents electrolyte from ingressing into the bearing bushes. The linear oscillatory motion of the tool holder is generated by a rocker (33) which is arranged vertically to the tool holder, extends through the casing and is driven by the eccentric (30) of a drive motor (29) with an associated frequency converter. A measuring device (42) and a fastener (43) enable the tool holder to be locked in a defined position, this permitting the apparatus to be operated with high accuracy also in the non-oscillating mode of the electrode.

Abstract: A contact assembly for supporting a substrate in an electrochemical plating system, wherein that contact assembly includes a contact ring and a thrust plate assembly. The contact ring includes an annular ring member having an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular bump member positioned on the upper surface, and a plurality of flexible and conductive substrate contact fingers extending radially inward from the lower surface. The thrust plate includes an annular plate member sized to be received within the annular ring member, and a seal member extending radially outward from the plate member, the seal member being configured to engage the annular bump member for form a fluid seal therewith.

Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece holder used in electroplating systems for plating metal layers onto a semiconductor workpieces, and is of particular advantage in connection with plating copper onto semiconductor materials. The workpiece holder includes electrodes which have a contact face which bears against the workpiece and conducts current therebetween. The contact face is provided with a contact face outer contacting surface which is made from a contact face material similar similar to the workpiece plating material which is to be plated onto the semiconductor workpiece. The contact face can be formed by pre-conditioned an electrode contact using a plating metal which is similar to the plating materials which is to be plated onto the semiconductor workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the electrolytic removal of metal from a device, such as a medical device. More particularly, the apparatus of the invention includes a mandrel having slots or openings therein to expose portions of a metallic device, such as a stent, to an electrolytic solution to remove metal from the exposed portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a plasma CVD method and device which can form a uniform or substantially uniform film on an outer surface of an object independently of the shape of the object, and also provides an electrode used in the method and device. More specifically, a plasma is formed from a deposition material gas by supplying an electric power to the gas, and a film is formed on the outer surface of a hollow object having an opening under the plasma. The electrodes for supplying the electric power for forming the gas plasma include an internal electrode arranged in an inner space of the hollow object and an external electrode arranged outside the object. The internal electrode can selectively have a reduced form allowing passage of the electrode through the opening of the hollow object and an enlarged form predetermined in accordance with the volume and shape of the inner space of the object.

Abstract: An electroforming apparatus comprises a container unit for storing a plating solution, a cathode part placed in the container unit and for holding an object to-be-plated and an anode part placed in the container unit face-to-face with the cathode part, wherein a current-conductive opening of the anode part is formed to have an area larger than that of a current-conductive opening of the cathode part.

Abstract: An anode assembly including a perforated anode. A perforated anode holder holds the anode. The anode holder includes perforations at least in a bottom wall such that plating solution may flow through perforations in the anode holder and perforations in the anode. An anode isolator separates the anode and a cathode. The anode isolator includes at least one curvilinear surface.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece during electroplating of a metal upon the workpiece in a conductive electroplating bath includes a non-conductive frame member for receiving the workpiece therein. The fixture further includes a current distribution means having a plurality of contacts. The plurality of contacts are disposed inwardly for providing an equally distributed electrical contact with an outer perimeter region of the workpiece. The workpiece is supported between the frame member and the current distribution means. Lastly, a thief electrode is perimetrically disposed about the workpiece and spaced a prescribed distance from the workpiece by a gap region. During plating of a metal upon the workpiece, the gap region between the thief and the workpiece is filled with the conductive electroplating bath. An electroplating apparatus having a fixture for supporting a workpiece during an electroplating process and a method of supporting the workpiece to be electroplated are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electroplating anode titanium basket including a fixing section, a resolution section and a surrounding section. The surrounding section can effectively increase the area of the insoluble anode and enhance the load ability of the anode. The increased area of the soluble anode can effectively work without quickly increasing the concentration of the electroplating bath. The supplier is resolved on the face opposite to the work piece so that the effective resolution of the supplier is enhanced to truly increase the production ability of the electroplating operation. In addition, the supplier is prevented from being stuck so that the supplementation of the supplier is facilitated and the using effect is improved.

Abstract: An anode assembly includes a perforated anode and an electrical contact assembly attached to the anode. A perforated anode holder holds the anode. The anode holder includes perforations at least in a bottom wall such that plating solution may flow through perforations in the anode holder and perforations in the anode. An anode isolator separates the anode and a cathode. The anode isolator includes at least one curvilinear surface. The contact assembly includes a closed or substantially closed cylinder member of titanium or titanium alloy, a copper lining or disk disposed within the cylinder, and a titanium or titanium alloy post fixed and in electrical engagement with the lining or disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of an electric contact of an electrolytic cell, wherein an elongated conductive member is provided as a bus bar 10 on a wall of an electrolytic cell for feeding current to anodes 1 and cathodes 2 arranged in the electrolytic cell; the conductive member 10 forms a convex portion 12 in parallel with the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of an elongated plate member 11 forming a base; and at least the upper surface of the convex portion 12 is totally or partially gold plated 13 in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An anode containment basket for holding soluble anodes in a horizontal plane within the plating bath of a continuous electroplating line. The basket includes a nonconductive conduit having a continuous sidewall, an interior space and open ends. One open end includes an end cap having a nonconductive open web plastic mesh that covers an open space defined by the conduit end. The conduit is positioned within the bath to place the nonconductive open web plastic mesh adjacent and across the horizontal surface of the substrate being electroplated. A conductive grid is housed within the interior space of the conduit, and the grid includes at least one hanger attached to an electrical energy source. The conductive grid both supports and delivers electrical energy to the soluble anodes contained within the basket.

Abstract: An anode basket according to the present invention for use in electroplating operations includes a container for suspending anode metal in plating solution. The container has mesh walls formed of conductive, corrosion resistant material and is connected to an electrical power source by a wire attached to the container at a location below the surface of the plating solution.

Abstract: An anode basket containing anode particles used for electroplating a work piece. The anode basket includes baffles positioned inside the basket at selected locations. Hinges secure the baffles to opposing sidewalls of the basket and allow the baffles to pivot when sufficient manual force is applied to the respective hinges and/or baffle. The hinged baffles can be positioned to form separate compartments, enabling anode particles to be placed in different amounts at selected locations. If desired, some of the locations can have no anode particles. This permits more focused control of the metal ions.

Abstract: A crank-pin anode holder (1) for the electro-plating industry follows the movement of a crank-pin to be plated which is rotating horizontally. During operation, non-metallic shoes (12) of a jaw plate (4) centralize themselves and sit on the crank-pin inside a plating solution. As the ends of the non-metallic shoes (12) are situated away from the jaw plates (4), it can prevent the holder (1) from contacting with the thrust produced and remove studs formed during the plating process. Anodes (2) with anode bags (11) are placed in both sides of the jaw plate (4) and each extend to an anode seat (5).Two parallel channel chacks (3) can slide up and down with a preset button die therebetween mounted on a metal bar above the solution for electro-plating. A handle (7) is welded on the upper part of the right-hand channel chack (3) for use by the operator in carrying and setting.

Abstract: A high speed electrical plating apparatus employing a moving fluid and a tubular anode. The tubular anode contains pellets of the material being plated so as to make up for those utilized during the plating process. The electrodes are configured in such a way that the electrode need not be removed for servicing and also so that the pellets need not be serviced as frequently as with prior are constructions. In addition, the electrode is configured in such a way as to permit the pellets to shift as they dissolve without jamming and also to provide more uniform plating.

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: An apparatus (10) for electrolytic plating of a substrate (44) includes a tank (14) in which a shaft (30) is centrally mounted for rotation about a first axis (28). The shaft carries an arm (40), on the distal end (112) of which is rotatably mounted a fixture wheel (44). The substrate to be plated is carried on the fixture wheel, which rides on an annular track (50) formed on the bottom of the tank around the shaft. A plurality of spaced pins (52) projecting upwardly from the track engage with a plurality of spaced recesses (56) formed about the perimeter (54) of the wheel, so that the wheel rotates about a second axis (64) while revolving around the first axis. The fixture carries a plurality of electrical contact members (46) that contact the substrate. Each contact member is separately supplied with current from a multichannel power supply (22).

Abstract: An anode basket for use in electroplating operations. The anode basket is formed of a pliant, shape-returning material which acts as a spring to ensure contact between the plating metal and the anode. The basket may be formed of a non-conductive plastic and the anode from corrosion-resistant conductive metal.

Abstract: A continuous silver refining cell comprises a tank containing an electrolyte, at least one vertical cathode disk mounted on a rotating horizontal shaft placed above the tank so that slightly less than half of the disk is immersed in the electrolyte, at least one anode basket containing impure silver anodes immersed in the electrolyte adjacent the cathode disk, and a diaphragm separating the cathode disk from the anode basket to form cathode and anode compartments. A scraper is provided for continuously removing pure silver crystals from the cathode and directing it to the side of the cell. A chain tubular conveyor may be provided for continuously or semi-continuously withdrawing a mud containing gold and other precious metals from the bottom of the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and apparatus for the recovery of uranium and plutonium from spent metal clad fuel pins is disclosed. The process uses secondary reactions between U.sup.+4 cations and elemental uranium at the anode to increase reaction rates and improve anodic efficiency compared to prior art processes. In another embodiment of the process, secondary reactions between Cd.sup.+2 cations and elemental uranium to form uranium cations and elemental cadmium also assists in oxidizing the uranium at the anode.

Abstract: The invention provides a jewelry cleaning arrangement including a housing and a cleaning bath tank formed of an electrically conductive material. The cleaning bath tank is supported within the housing and is connectable to an electric potential. An electrical contact member extends sealingly into the interior region of the tank. The electrical contact member is electrically insulated from the tank and is connectable to an electric potential. A non-conductive insert member is positionable in the tank and movable between a cleaning position and an elevated position. The non-conductive insert member includes a support surface upon which jewelry may be placed. A jewelry engagement conductive member is provided supported on the non-conductive insert member support surface. The jewelry engagement member includes a contact portion engaging the electrical contact member when the insert member is positioned in the cleaning position within the tank.

Abstract: A retaining tip for releasable attachment to a rod having a cross-section in which two arms are attached to one another at one end of each by a circular wound helical spring. The other end of each arm is configured to retain parts or objects which are to be processed. The circular spring may be mechanically opened to receive the circular rod and then released to frictionally engage the rod. Clips utilizing a similar design are used to join cross members to build up an electroplating or painting fixture. An alternative support rack is constructed by means of releasable attachment of side bar members to cross bars.

Abstract: A special, easy to use, economical frame is provided to quickly and efficiently align water purification cells in a vertical stack. The dependable, effective frame has moveable side and back posts and convenient crank or slide rod adjustments.

Abstract: A tentering apparatus for tensioning a sheet-like member, for example, a membrane used in an electrolyzer. The apparatus includes four clamping assemblies arranged in a frame-shape configuration within an outer frame member, and a fastener, such as a threaded bolt and wing unit, for fastening the clamping assemblies to the outer frame members and for tensioning the sheet-like member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an immersion type electrode structure comprising a power supply bus bar and an anode provided with a hanging current supply portion contacting with the power supply bus bar. In this structure, at least that portion of the bus bar which is immersed into a plating liquid and the hanging current supply portion are covered with a corrosion-resistant metal thin sheet.

Abstract: Anode bodies for a galvanic plating bath, e.g. for electrodeposition of copper, are spheres which can be received in an anode holder in the bath and have advantages over irregular and other anode shapes deriving from the fact that the metal is solubilized uniformly substantially over the entire surface area of the anode bodies and a uniform reproducible contact is made between them. The invention also comprehends a method of making such bodies by pressing cylindrical blanks, e.g. wire sections, to spherical shape, and a method of operating an electroplating bath which involves the use of such anode bodies.

Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphorized or non-phosphorized copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets, and the front walls of the baskets are perforate.After the cylinder is printed out, it is returned to the plating apparatus and reversely plated to remove the copper. In order to prevent the copper from building up through the perforations in the inner walls of the baskets and to keep reduced-size nuggets from protruding through the basket openings, a porous plastic sheet is disposed over the lower portion of the inner surface of the inner wall of each of the baskets.

Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphorized or non-phosphorized copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets, and the front walls of the baskets are perforated.When the cylinder is printed out, it is returned to the plating apparatus and reversably plated so as to return the copper to the nuggets. In order to prevent the copper from building up through the perforations in the inner walls of the baskets, a porous plastic sheet is disposed over the inner surface of the inner walls of the baskets.

Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphor copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, and lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets.

Abstract: A metal electroplating rack coated with an insulating coating. The extremities of the rack has tips which are uncoated to provide electrical contact for a part being plated. The portion of the rack adjacent the tips has at least one opening through the rack, the opening being coated with an insulating coating such that a continuous coating is formed with the coating on opposite surfaces of the rack so as to prevent loss of adhesion of the insulating coating at the tip.

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 cell for the production of aluminum metal comprises a permanent hollow anode structure of substantially corrosion-resistant material, with numerous perforations in the base of said structure, a packed bed of consumable carbon pieces supported by said base within the hollow space of said structure, means for heating said base so as to form a molten cryolite bath upon cell start-up, means for controllably cooling the walls of said anode structure to form a protective layer of frozen cryolite over said walls at the air-cryolite interfaces, means for adding fresh pieces of said consumable carbon to replenish said packed bed when a substantial portion thereof has been consumed, and means for adjusting the depth of immersion of said packed bed within said molten cryolite bath so as to reduce voltage and energy requirements or increase the rate of aluminum production.

Abstract: The known method of removing heavy metal and cyanide ions from plating waste solutions wherein the solution is passed through flow-through, high surface area electrodes to precipitate heavy metal ions and to oxidize cyanide is improved through the use of a novel stationary bed dual electrode capable of reducing heavy metal and cyanide ion concentration. The process promotes economical electrolytic purification because it can be accomplished at relatively high current efficiencies. The metals removed from the solutions are recovered in a concentrated form suitable for purification.

Abstract: An electrorefining cell includes a bipolar electrode that is comprised of a sheet of acid resistant metal and a basket of the same or similar material attached directly to one side of the sheet, the basket being lined with an acid-resistant filter cloth. A method for electrorefining copper cement in slurry form by piping the slurry into the basket is also shown.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolytically disinfecting an object which comprisesan electrolytic cell containing at least one pair of electrodes, said electrodes being positioned within said cell such that when said cell receives an electrolyte containing solution therein, said electrodes will be at least partially immersed in said solution,an electrically conductive substrate having means for holding said object to be disinfected, said electrically conductive substrate being of sufficient size so as to be capable of being immersed into the solution, when said cell receives said solution, between said electrodes, and wherein said substrate functions as a bipolar electrode when a potential is impressed across said electrodes, and wherein said holding means is capable of holding the object to be disinfected completely submerged in said solution, and between said electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easily assembled and disassembled stationary particulate bed dual electrode for recovering metal values from electrolytic solutions. The electrode comprises two assemblies adapted for mating with one another. Each assembly has a perforated flow distributing plate and a basket-like compartment for holding carbonaceous, conductive particles onto which the metal values deposit. This compartment is quickly and easily disassembled for removal of the metal-clad particulate bed.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive electrical contact member which surrounds a first electrical conductor and completes an electrical connection between the first conductor and a second electrical conductor in response to relative pressure exerted thereon by the two conductors. As an example, the pressure sensitive electrical contact member may be used as an insulating sleeve which surrounds that portion of an electro-plating rack upon which the articles to be plated are supported. The sleeve includes a pressure sensitive electrical contact portion which is normally nonconductive but becomes conductive when the article to be plated is placed on the rack so as to complete an electrical connection between the article and the rack. Because only substantially that portion of the pressure sensitive electrical contact that the article contacts is electrically conductive, the effects of parasitic plating on the rack are greatly minimized.

Abstract: Anode shields are provided around the anode baskets in an electroforming process.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating selected portions of a strip comprises means for intermittently moving the strip through successive stations. Means are provided at one of the stations for selectively electroplating selected portions of the strip and comprises upper and lower press members which are movable relatively toward and away from one another. An upper mask of resilient material is provided on the upper member and a lower mask of resilient material is provided on the lower member. The lower mask has a plurality of openings therein having the configuration of the selected portion which is to be plated. When the upper and lower members are moved toward one another, the strip is gripped. The lower member has a plurality of openings therein. The openings in the lower member have their lower ends chamfered and extend to a first chamber in the lower member.