Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-chemical deposition system that is designed with a flexible architecture that is expandable to accommodate future designs and gap fill requirements and provides satisfactory throughput to meet the demands of other processing systems. The electro-chemical deposition system generally comprises a mainframe having a mainframe wafer transfer robot, a loading station disposed in connection with the mainframe, one or more processing cells disposed in connection with the mainframe, and an electrolyte supply fluidly connected to the one or more electrical processing cells.

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 cathode frame for receiving and retaining a cathode plate for electrowinning and/or electrorefining processes is constructed as an integrally-formed frame body having a base member and side members which provide a continuous channel therethrough for retaining the peripheral edge of a cathode plate, and is further structured with a cross frame extending between the side members for receiving a cathode plate therethrough. The cross frame is sized and positioned to extend proud of the frame body thereby providing contact surfaces for striking when recovering the cathode plate from the frame. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cross frame is integrally formed with the side members and base member and the cathode frame is configured to retain a filter media thereagainst.

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 anode container, electroplating system, method and object so plated. A feature of the invention is that an anode container has an interior cross-sectional area, at or near a lower end thereof, that is larger than an interior cross-sectional area of an upper end thereof. An anode-receiving container also has a body with a plurality of sides and a lower end having a larger cross-sectional interior area than an upper end. The container may also include punched out apertures positioned to provide strength to the container and an apparatus to vibrate the container coupled to a lower end of the container.

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: In order to completely sterilize all of the surfaces of a medical instrument on which biofilms are apt to form, the device is immersed in a container containing an antibiotic solution in a manner wherein all of the contaminated surfaces are forced into intimate contact with the antibiotic solution. A first current is applied to a first electrode disposed at one end of the container to establish a first current flow about the exterior of the instrument between the first electrode and a second distal electrode which is either proximate or in direct contact with an end portion of the device. A second current is passed between a third electrode which is either in electrical contact with a part of the instrument that is not immersed in the antibiotic solution, or immersed in the solution has been forced into the interior of the device, and the second electrode via a second current path which extends through the interior of the instrument.

Abstract: A filter system includes a tank for holding waste water with an inlet port for receiving waste water from an electroplating process, and an outlet port for dispensing filtered water back to the electroplating process. A plurality of anode elements and cathode elements are arranged within the tank in a repeating pattern of anode and cathode from one end of the tank to the other. The anode elements are formed of a mesh sheet of electrically conductive material, and the cathode elements include a pair of electrically conductive mesh sheets which are mounted to a frame to form a box. Each cathode box is filled with electrically conductive shavings, to increase the surface area for removing heavy metals from the waste water. The anodes and cathodes are removably slidably received within the tank, and are electrically connected to a DC power supply, the anodes connected to the positive terminal and the cathodes connected to the negative terminal.

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: A system and method for electro-forming a metal layer on a substrate. The system has a rotary jet planarizer in an electro-forming or galvanic cell. The cell includes a toroidally-shaped manifold with two inlets and an outlet. Each of the inlets is coupled to tubing from a sump assembly. Pressurized electrolyte flows from the sump assembly to the manifold. Directly downstream from the manifold is a diffuser having a plurality of openings. Electrolyte flows through the diffuser to an toroidally-shaped anode basket filled with metal pellets. After flowing through the anode basket, the electrolyte flows to a rotary jet planarizer. The planarizer has a rotatable plate with a main opening, a plurality of apertures radially extending from the main opening, and a conduit that is coupled to the main opening and extends out of the cell. A motor is coupled to the rotary jet planarizer to rotate the plate.

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 is 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: 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: In order to improve a method for determining the substance conversion during areal electrochemical reactions in at least one local surface area between a counterelectrode arrangement of an areal design and an electrode arrangement of an areal design, which has a contact element segment designed in accordance with the surface area and a contact element contacting the remaining surface areas and being electrically insulated in relation to the contact element segment, in such a manner that the substance conversion can be determined in as simple a manner as possible it is suggested that not only the contact element but also the contact element segment be connected to one current source or current drain provided for carrying out the electrochemical reaction, that a current flowing between the contact element segment and the current source or current drain via a conductor generate a magnetic field around the conductor and that the magnetic field be determined as a measure for the substance conversion in the local s

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the galvanic deposition of a metal layer on a substrate and comprises a substrate holder connected to a drive shaft that extends in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. The cathode current is supplied to the substrate by the drive shaft. The drive shaft has an outer insulating layer. The substrate is held in contact with a contact plate by a supporting ring on the outer periphery of a supporting plate. The contact plate rests on a base of the supporting plate and has a central sleeve connectable with the drive shaft. A mounting portion is provided in the base around the sleeve and a tube portion is inserted into the mounting portion in a sealing and detachable manner. An internally threaded ring is arranged on the drive shaft and is shiftable along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the galvanic deposition of a ml layer on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a container for holding an electrolyte, and an anode container filled with an anode material and having an essentially planar exit surface for the metal ions of the anode material. A substrate holder is connected to a drive shaft that is supported in a drive means mounted on a cover of the container. The cover is pivotable about a pivoting axis of a pivoting means mounted on the side of the container opposite to the anode container. An adjusting plate permits the substrate surface to be adjusted with respect to the exit surface of the anode container facing the substrate surface. The invention provides a more uniform deposition of metal ions on the substrate surface.

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: A process and assembly for stabilizing organic additives in an electrolytic solution while electroplating copper. The process includes forming a protective film on a first surface of an anode and minimizing contact between the electrolytic solution and a second surface of the anode which is further from the cathode than the first surface. An anode housing is used to minimize contact between the electrolytic solution and the second surface of the anode. The housing includes two side walls and a bottom wall, each having a groove, and a sealing back plate. The anode is fitted in the grooves such that the first surface of the anode is in contact with the electrolytic solution and the second surface of the anode abuts against the sealing back plate. The anode housing may be used in an electroplating system including the anode housing, a plating tank containing the electrolytic solution, a cathode immersed in the electrolytic solution, and an anode, which preferably is in the shape of a slab.

Abstract: A solid high silicon cast iron elongated anode has a midpoint electrical connection keeping the connection as far as possible from the ends to combat the deleterious pencil effect. The anode is made by casting using a hollow or shell core to form a small axial hole extending from one end. The sand or foundry material of the core is removed and the wall of the hole at the blind end of the hole is at least partially finished to receive a diagonally split slug to which a lead wire is connected. Alternatively the hole is formed by a steel pipe which is left in place as a hole liner. The pipe may be supported by one or more chaplets. The slug is fastened in the blind end of the hole by a driving tool rotating a threaded headed bolt with both axial and rotational force to hold the connection in the blind end of the hole as it is secured in place. The hole is filled with a potting compound sealing the connection in the center of the solid cast iron anode.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus comprises a rotating cage with a shaft therethrough and connecting seats, each of the connecting seats being tangent to the shaft, and a plurality of containers which are respectively received in each of the connecting seats. Each of the containers comprises a thin box and a screen provided thereon as a cap, and each box includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle plates sub-dividing the box into a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments has two side walls which are respectively provided with a plurality of thorns, so as to form two thorny walls. All electronic parts are disposed in parallel between the thorny walls to avoid entanglements and damage of parts being electroplated. Also, the thorns provide extended area electrode contacts for the parts, resulting in more uniform parts plating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electroplating a workpiece to achieve a uniform plating thickness includes a cathode rack having a hook from which the workpiece is suspended and spaced apart from a consumable anode. The rack includes a plurality of plates made of the same material as the anode disposed on opposite sides of the rack. The plates direct a portion of the current emanating from the anode away from the workpiece to produce more uniform plating.

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 welding electrode for providing a significant improvement in the detrimental tensile residual stress condition on the root side of welds, especially on the inside wall of piping welds. The electrode has a tungsten alloy blade. The blade is made from sheets of tungsten alloy by cutting or stamping. The preferred shape of the blade is an isosceles triangle. The base of the flat triangular blade is secured in a slot formed in an electrode holder. The electrode holder is preferably T-shaped, with the shank of the holder being connected to a conventional welding torch. The holder is made of electrically conductive material, whereby the blade is coupled to the torch for producing an electric arc at the blade tip for welding. The blade is optionally covered with a ceramic coating to prevent arcing to the side walls of the groove formed between the parts being welded. A further option is to incorporate insulating stand-offs which protrude from both flat sides of the electrode blade.

Abstract: A cathode-anode arrangement for use in an electrolytic cell is adapted for electrochemically refining spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear reactor and recovering purified uranium for further treatment and possible recycling as a fresh blanket or core fuel in a nuclear reactor. The arrangement includes a plurality of inner anodic dissolution baskets that are each attached to a respective support rod, are submerged in a molten lithium halide salt, and are rotationally displaced. An inner hollow cylindrical-shaped cathode is concentrically disposed about the inner anodic dissolution baskets. Concentrically disposed about the inner cathode in a spaced manner are a plurality of outer anodic dissolution baskets, while an outer hollow cylindrical-shaped is disposed about the outer anodic dissolution baskets. Uranium is transported from the anode baskets and deposited in a uniform cylindrical shape on the inner and outer cathode cylinders by rotating the anode baskets within the molten lithium halide salt.

Abstract: A plating cell for plating a flat substrate, for example, a stamper for a high-density compact disk recording, employs an arcuate sparger to introduce a laminar flow of electrolyte across the surface of the substrate to be plated. In a preferred embodiment, the sparger occupies about 90 to about 120 degrees of arc. A semipermeable weir separates the main plating bath from an anode chamber that contains an anode basket that is filled with nuggets of nickel or other plating material. The plating cell is provided with a backwash flow regime so that impurities and inclusions from the anode chamber are kept out of the plating bath. The substrate can be positioned between vertical and about forty-five degrees from vertical, and can be supported with or without rotation.

Abstract: A material handling device for reducing spillage of flowable or particulate material dispensed into a storage bin, the device comprising an upper region defining a first opening for receiving such material and a pair of discharge members extending in a direction opposite the first opening. The device is particularly suited for placement over a horizontal support rod from which the bin is typically suspended from. The device finds wide use in electroplating applications providing methods of maintaining a uniform arrangement of bins in an electroplating tank, and methods of protecting hardware utilized for suspending bins from electroplating tank support rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable plating system that operates stand-alone with a battery power source, or with an A.C. power source. The system is also capable of working from an automobile battery as the power source. The system is packaged in a combination storage/work station unit which stores the plating equipment when not in use, and serves as a work station when the equipment is assembled and ready for use.

Abstract: A method for depositing chromium and iron metals on substrates is disclosed in which the chromium hardens when heated. The electrolytic plating bath preferably includes: (a) water soluble Cr(III) produced by reducing Cr(VI) with sufficient amounts of methanol or formic acid; (b) ammonium formate; (c) a sulfate catalyst, such as sodium sulfate; (d) an inorganic iron compound, such as iron sulfate; (e) sufficient amounts of boric acid to substantially saturate the bath; and (f) a sufficient amount of sulfuric acid to provide a bath pH of from about 1.0 to about 1.5. The heat-hardenable chromium deposit allows the plated substrate to be heat tempered after plating to provide a KHN of greater than about 1200. This eliminates the necessity of removing oxidation products from an unplated heated substrate. Moreover, the amount of toxic Cr(VI) present in the bath is greatly diminished, and is replaced with a Cr(III) species that is environmentally safer.

Abstract: A barrel polishing machine includes an electrically conductive inner container for containing workpieces, the inner container having a number of holes formed in a circumferential wall thereof so that an electrolyte supplied to the workpieces passes through the holes, an electrically conductive outer container disposed to surround the inner container with a predetermined gap between them, a pair of electrode terminals connected to the inner and outer containers respectively so that the containers serve as electrodes with polarity opposite each other, respectively, an insulator interposed between the inner and outer containers with a predetermined gap between the same and each container, and a drive source supplying a rotational or vibratory force to the inner container. The gap between the inner and outer containers is 10 millimeters long or below. The barrel polishing machine may be diverted to an electroplating machine when the polarity is inverted.

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: There is disclose a method of and apparatus for surface-treatment of half sliding bearings having a multi-layer construction including a steel backing, a bearing alloy layer of copper alloy or aluminum alloy, an intermediate plating layer and a surface layer. A plurality of half sliding bearings are attached to a support member in such a manner that the half sliding bearings are arranged end-to-end into a semi-cylindrical configuration. The support member is transferred to be sequentially inserted into a plurality of openable and closable plating cases mounted respectively within pretreatment tanks and plating tanks, thereby sequentially forming the intermediate plating layer and the surface layer on the half sliding bearings.

Abstract: In the electroplating apparatus, which consists of a rod which links a vibrator to a basket, the vibrator comprising at least a baseplate, an electromagnet, a vibrating plate and a supporting device, and the basket being connected to the rod by means of braces, the air gap is directly formed by the space between the lower base of the electromagnet and the top surface of the baseplate. Adjustment of the air gap is effected by means of a spindle and without disassembling the springs; the air gap is automatically uniform over the entire surface of the core.The electroplating apparatus is further characterized by the fact that cathode current transfer is ensured directly by the rod, which is a solid piece of metal, possibly having recesses and preferably consisting of aluminum. The carrying device comprises two shanks which are insulated from vibrations. The cover of the vibrator is made of polypropylene, which provides a better tightness and excludes all risks of corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that a strip of reticulated foam which is semi-conductive can be continuously electroplated, utilizing a cathode roll which is positioned, in a first electroplating zone, outside of the electroplating bath. An anode is immersed in the electroplating bath. The strip of reticulated foam is first introduced into the electroplating bath and travels in the direction from the anode to the cathode roll prior to contacting the cathode roll. In this way, the strip achieves a partial plate at the anode which provides a current path between the anode and the cathode roll effective for sustaining the plating reaction in said first electroplating zone.

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 carbon block acts as a cell electrode. Channels are formed in its face which is to face the cell diaphragm. The channels provide an interconnected network including retention pools arranged to hold, release, break up and mix a liquid stream passing through them.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for an anode bar in a cell for electrolytic production of aluminum includes two jacks disposed along the center line of the anode bar, between an anode superstructure and the anode bar. The anode bar is movable in the vertical direction by such jacks which are separately driven, or driven by one common motor. To prevent the anode bar from rotating around its longitudinal axis, there is disposed a torsion device between the anode bar and the anode superstructure. The anode bar is provided with side supporting structure. Which prevents the anode bar from moving side-ways.

Abstract: A relatively great number of materials such as forged or cast motor parts of relatively small sizes are loaded into a basket. The basket is suspended from a front conveyor, and is conveyed thereby to a position in front of a coating section comprising a plurality of tanks arranged in a required order and containing liquids required for the coating. After reaching the foregoing position, the basket is carried by, or suspended from, a basket carrier and is immersed in the liquids in the tanks in the order of arrangement thereof. The basket is swung in each tank several times. After being immersed in the liquids in all tanks, the basket is conveyed, by a rear conveyor, to a furnace for baking the materials coated. The basket is passed through the furnace, and then is suspended again from the front conveyor and conveyed thereby to a section where the basket is overturned to unload the materials coated and baked. Then, the basket, which is now empty, is conveyed to the initial position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell for use in electrowinning metal values from solutions containing same, which comprises a housing arranged to contain solution to be subjected to electrolysis, anode means, cathode means, inlet means for feeding fresh solution into the housing and outlet means for removing treated solution from the cell, wherein the cathode means comprises an assembly which contains material upon which electrowon metal values are deposited and which assembly is arranged to be removed from the cell for removal of the material bearing deposited metal values and replacement by fresh material, and subsequent return of the cathode assembly to the cell.

Abstract: Dissolved arsenic (III) contaminant is removed from mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid, by electrolysis using a high surface area cathode having a three-dimensional electrolyte-contacting surface which exposes the electrolyte to electrolysis for a relatively long period of time. The dissolved arsenic is reduced to arsenic metal, which then plates out on the cathode. Dissolved concentrations of arsenic of less than 1 ppm can be achieved using the invention.

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: An anodic assembly immersible in a fluoborate electrolytic bath in an electroplating process for plating tin and similar metals. The assembly is constituted by a cylindrical basket containing a replenishable pile of solid pieces of the plating metal, the basket being formed by a perforated carbon tube closed at its bottom by a carbon plug. The outer surface of the tube is impregnated with a resin acting as a reinforcing skin to prevent cracking when the tube is drilled to create the required perforations.

Abstract: In a tank of aluminizing electroplating cells which may contain racks for articles, operated with aprotic oxygen-free and water-free organo-aluminum electrolytes, a lining of individual segments coated with resistant materials (enamel or electrolyte-resistant plastics) is provided as an electrically insulating protective device. The outer edges of the side baffles, coated all around, are bent round toward the outside and are held together by connecting straps which are bent round toward the inside. The individual bottom segments coated all around lie on top of each other overlapping in roof tile fashion. The protective device may also include a similarly insulated band arranged all around the cell.

Abstract: An anode case is immersed within a deposition cell of a galvanic bath and is supported on an electrically conducting guide or support bar arrangement via a perforated contact plate which extends over the entire length of the anode case and is welded on in the vicinity of the feed opening of the anode case. The anode case is also covered by an anode enclosure which is not permeable to an anode slurry. The enclosure is slid into position in the vicinity of the contact plate in the slot between the contact plate and the anode case.

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

Abstract: A mounting and holding fixture for electroplating semicylindrical articles especially radial journal bearing halves produced from a synthetic thermoplastic material by the thermoplastic foaming process.

Abstract: An anode configuration, anode basket and method of packaging anodes within the basket.

Abstract: A method of electrowinning metals in which the anode comprises a foraminate container containing particulate material chosen from the group electrically conducting non-polarizing compound of a metal and a non-metallic element.