Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the metallization of an object including placing the object in an electrolyte, placing an anode in contact with the electrolyte, placing a metallization contact of a cathode in contact with the object, applying an electrical tension between the anode and the cathode, wherein the metallization contact is displaced in relation to the object during the metallization of the object to achieve a complete and continuous metallization of the object's surface.

Abstract: In an anodizing method of aluminum, a tubular object made of aluminum or aluminum alloy is located between a pair of cathodes in an electrolysis solution, and a subsidiary cathode is inserted into the tubular object. The tubular object is anodized in the electrolysis solution to form an anodic oxide coating on an inner surface of the tubular object and on an outer surface of the tubular object. Accordingly, the anodic oxide coating can be formed easily not only on the outer surface of the tubular object but also on the inner surface of the tubular object. Therefore, a thickness difference of the anodic oxide coating between on the outer surface of the tubular object and on the inner surface of the tubular object can be reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a cooking container comprising the following steps: producing a vessel having an aluminium outer face and an inner face, performing anodisation on at least the outer face of the vessel to obtain an anodic coating having pores. At least one colouring step is carried out on the anodised outer face after anodisation, the colouring step or steps implements at least one metal salt deposited at the bottom of the pores of the anodic coating by electrochemical technique. Also provided is a culinary article or an electric cooking appliance comprising a cooking container obtained according to the abovementioned method.

Abstract: A valve main unit, in which a high pressure valve is to be provided, includes a channel for hydrogen gas. An internal surface of the channel is constituted by an oxidation layer formed by performing anodizing on an aluminum-based alloy. The oxidation layer of the channel is formed by performing the anodizing under a condition in which the oxidation layer with a thickness of 8 ?m or less is formed at an external surface of the valve main unit, the external surface having an opening communicating with the channel.

Abstract: An article of cookware has a copper core and is surrounded by relatively thinner outer aluminum layers. The outer aluminum layers are preferably anodized to provide a relatively inert hard and scratch resistant durable finish. This anodized finish also readily accepts non-stick finishes.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston body made of an aluminum alloy material containing silicon and having a piston ring groove formed therein and an anodic oxide film formed on the piston ring groove, wherein a metal containing nickel and zinc is deposited around silicon particles in the anodic oxide film.

Abstract: A lightweight spray device with spray body that is suitable for precision cast molding, solving general casting problems, such as shrinkage and bubbling; and a process for manufacturing the same. The spray device is one with magnesium spray body provided with a spray part and a handle part, characterized in that the magnesium spray body is one formed with the use of a mold for magnesium spray body wherein a first slide pin is provided at a region where the spray part and the handle part cross each other and wherein around the first slide pin, there is provided a product melt orifice.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which an anodic oxidation coating film is formed on all or a portion of a wall that faces a combustion chamber, wherein the anodic oxidation coating film has a structure that is provided with a bonding region in which each of hollow cells forming the coating film is bonded to the adjacent hollow cells, and a nonbonding region in which three or more adjacent hollow cells are not bonded to each other, and wherein a porosity of the anodic oxidation coating film is determined by a first void present in the hollow cell and a second void that forms the nonbonding region.

Abstract: An ordering structure scintillator of scintillator and fabrication method is disclosed. The ordering structure scintillator of scintillator comprises: a tubular template, which consists of a plurality of thin film oxidized metal tubes; a plurality of scintillators, filled in the thin film oxidized metal tubes; and a package layer, formed on the surface of the tubular template for protecting the tubular template. In addition, through the fabrication method, the ordering structure scintillator of scintillator can be made by anodic treatment and die casting technology with low cost and rapid production; moreover, the film oxidized metal tubes of the tubular template can be further manufactured to nano tubes by adjusting electrolyte composition, electrolysis voltage, and processing time of anodic treatment, and the aperture size, the thickness and the vessel density of the nano tube can be controlled and ranged from 10 nm to 500 nm, 0.1 ?m to 1000 ?m, and 108 to 1012 tube/cm2, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for continuous electrolytic surface finishing of bars (2) is described, comprising at least one cathode (3), one electrolytic cell (4) containing an electrolyte (5) and comprising an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) for the bars (2), and at least one longitudinal anode (8) along the route of the bars (2) inside the electrolytic cell (4), and means (9) for feeding the bars (2) along the axis of the bars (2) for introducing the bars (2) into the cell (4). Said at least one cathode (3) consists of a plurality of sliding contacts (11), each of which is provided with a selectively and independently actuatable energetic source (30) thereof.

Abstract: A catheter wire includes a wire core including a semi-rigid stainless steel, and a conductor layer covering an outer periphery of the wire core. A method of manufacturing a catheter wire includes drawing a stainless steel in an axial direction so as to form a wire core with a predetermined diameter, annealing the drawn stainless steel so as to change the stainless steel into a semi-rigid stainless steel, and forming a conductor layer on an outer periphery of the semi-rigid stainless steel.

Abstract: A palladium plated aluminum component of a semiconductor plasma processing chamber comprises a substrate including at least an aluminum or aluminum alloy surface, and a palladium plating on the aluminum or aluminum alloy surface of the substrate. The palladium plating comprises an exposed surface of the component and/or a mating surface of the component.

Abstract: An electrode structure of the present invention includes: an aluminum electrode which is to be in contact with a surface of an aluminum base; a fixing member for fixing the aluminum electrode on the surface of the aluminum base; an elastic member provided between the fixing member and the aluminum base; a lead wire which is electrically connected to the aluminum electrode at least under a certain condition; and a cover member which is tightly closed with the lead wire penetrating through an opening.

Abstract: In a method for making hydraulic tubing a low carbon steel tube suitable for use as hydraulic tubing is coated on its inside surface with zinc phosphate and the outside surface is electroplated. The resulting hydraulic tubing will resist rust on the inside and on the outside during storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating parts like lug nuts or other metal parts that have both an easily plated outside surface as well as a recessed cavity. The invention works in combination with a standard multi-station plating process. The present invention drains and plates a part containing a cavity by moving the part from a position where the cavity is facing around 45 degrees down to a position where the cavity is facing around 45 degrees up and then back down at various times during the process. The moving is generally initiated when the rack moving along a track above the fluid tanks encounters a roller.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which an anodic oxidation coating film is formed on all or a portion of a wall that faces a combustion chamber, wherein the anodic oxidation coating film has a structure that is provided with a bonding region in which each of hollow cells forming the coating film is bonded to the adjacent hollow cells, and a nonbonding region in which three or more adjacent hollow cells are not bonded to each other, and wherein a porosity of the anodic oxidation coating film is determined by a first void present in the hollow cell and a second void that forms the nonbonding region.

Abstract: A piston ring is provided having a bottom surface, a top surface, an inner diameter surface and at least one running surface. A wear protection coating substantially entirely of cobalt is applied to the at least one running surface to protect the base material of the piston ring. Specifically, during operation of an engine, the more durable cobalt wear resistant coating, not the base material which may be steel or cast iron, is in sliding contact with a cylinder wall. The cobalt coating may be applied through, for example, electrodeposition or plasma spraying.

Abstract: A coupler and plug system for air line uses which identifies properly mating components by the colors of the components. The coupler of the system includes a sleeve which is made in a chosen color. The plug of the system is made in the same color as the sleeve of the coupler. The plug and coupler sleeve may be anodized aluminum dyed in the same color. By choosing a plug which is of a matching color to the sleeve of a coupler, the user will choose a plug which properly mates with the coupler.

Abstract: A process of hard anodizing or Type III anodizing an aluminum article creates a heat stable, hard anodized, color surface on the exterior of the article. The process includes anodizing the aluminum article to achieve a hard anodized base layer on a surface of the article. A copper layer is deposited after the exterior is hard anodized. A tin layer is deposited after the step of depositing the copper layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: A method for forming roughness on an outer surface of cladding of a fuel nuclear rod including zirconium includes: positioning the cladding of the nuclear fuel rod at a first electrode and connecting a positive electrode thereto, and positioning a conductive plate at a second electrode and connecting a negative electrode thereto; putting the cladding of the nuclear fuel rod in an electrolyte solution; and applying voltage to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to cause oxidation on the outer surface of the cladding of the nuclear fuel rod. In this case, the electrolyte solution is maintained at 10° C. or lower.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for simultaneously electroplating at least two parts in a series electrical configuration in an electroplating system using a shared electrolyte with excellent consistency in thickness profiles, coating weights and coating microstructure. Parts in high volume and at low capital and operating cost are produced as coatings or in free-standing form.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells including a casing or cup for direct electrical contact with a negative electrode or counter electrode and serving as the current collector for the electrode. The casing includes a substrate having a plated coating of an alloy including copper, tin and zinc, the coating having a composition gradient between the substrate and the external surface of the coating wherein the copper content is greater adjacent the substrate than at the external surface of the coating and the tin content is greater at the external surface of the coating than adjacent the substrate. Methods for forming a coated casing and an electrochemical cell including a coated casing are disclosed, preferably including providing an electrode casing with a coating utilizing variable current density plating that reduces discoloration of a surface exposed to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with an electrodeposition process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode assembly includes an electrode for exchanging electrical current with a solution, a passageway for removing gas that becomes trapped between a workpiece and the solution, and a sleeve for electrically isolating the electrode from the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: In order to produce industrially advantageously an electroformed copper/niobium composite piping material wherein an electroformed copper layer and a niobium thin piping material are strongly bonded to each other, the electroformed copper/niobium composite piping material can be produced by coating any one or each of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of a niobium thin piping material with a nickel thin film, coating the surface of the nickel thin film with copper by electroforming, and subsequently annealing the resultant.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric component, such as a capacitor is disclosed. In such a method, a conductive surface is applied to a dielectric to form a coated dielectric. Then a portion of the conductive surface is removed from the coated dielectric to form at least two electrically isolated conductive areas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat resistant resin film with a metal thin film is configured to include the steps of: biasing a conductive material to one surface of the heat resistant resin film; and applying electrolytic plating to the heat resistant resin film while using the conductive material biased to the one surface of the heat resistant resin film as an electrode, so as to form a metal thin film on the heat resistant resin film.

Abstract: A method for producing a corrosion-inhibiting coating on an implant made of a biocorrodible magnesium alloy, the method comprising providing the implant; and treating the implant surface using an aqueous or alcoholic conversion solution containing one or more ions selected from the group consisting of K+, Na+, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Ti4+, Zr4+, Ce3+, Ce4+, PO43?, HPO42?, H2PO4?, OH?, B33?, B4O72?, SiO32?, MnO42?, MnO4?, VO3?, WO42?, MoO42?, TiO32?, Se2?, ZrO32?, and NbO4?, wherein the concentration of the ion or ions is in the range of from 0.01 mol/l to 2 mol/l. An implant produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: For partially plating work surfaces, a tubular shield member is set around a work which is connected to a cathode, in face to face and in predetermined small gap relation with a non-plating surface or surfaces of a work. In a plating bath, an anode is located on the outer side of the shield member to cover the non-plating surface from the anode. Upon conducting current between the anode and cathode, a metallic coating is deposited specifically and selectively on a work surface or surfaces which are not covered by the shield member.

Abstract: There are provided a plating method for a roll and a grinding method before a cell is formed in which copper sulfate plating having a uniform thickness without any particles or pits can be applied to the roll for a gravure printing, both a middle finish grinding and a mirror surface finish grinding not depending on a grinding stone grinding can be carried out in a short period of time and a high quality roll can be provided. The grinding is carried out after applying the copper sulfate plating to the roll to attain a mirror surface finish state. The copper sulfate plating is carried out in such a way that non-soluble anode having a length more than the maximum roll length is ascended to the rotating process roll and approached to the lower surface of the roll, plating liquid having some avoidable impurities becoming a cause of particles or pits removed through a filter so as to perform a plating having no thickened portions at both ends of the roll.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer deposited by electroplating process on the surface of a single-crystalline or quasi-single-crystalline metal substrate, and a method for manufacturing the biaxially textured pure metal or alloy layer.

Abstract: Pulse reverse electrolysis of acid copper solutions is used for applying copper deposits of a controlled hardness for applications such as producing printing cylinders. The benefits include improved production capacity. Hardness of the deposit is controlled by varying at least one factor selected from the group consisting of (i) cathodic pulse time, (ii) anodic pulse time, (iii) cathodic pulse current density, and (iv) anodic pulse current density. Preferably the ratio of cathodic pulse time to anodic pulse time is varied.

Abstract: A method is described for electroplating a cylindrical inside surface (4) of a work-piece (3) extending substantially over a semi-circle, with an electrolyte being conveyed from a bath (8) in a circulation through a gap (9) between the inside surface (4) and a revolving guide means (6). In order to ensure advantageous coating conditions it is proposed that the electrolyte is conveyed with the help of the guide means (6) immersed only partly in the bath (8) in the circumferential direction through the gap (9) between the guide means (6) and the work-piece (3) guided outside of the bath (8).

Abstract: A phosphate coating apparatus for depositing a phosphate coating on a metal material by electrolyzing the metal material in a predetermined electrolysis solution includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, of which one electrode being disposed in contact with the metal material and the other electrode being disposed away from the metal material with a predetermined distance, and the other electrode being formed into a tubular shape so as to cover the entire length of the metal material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved copper plating bath for depositing a copper layer onto a printing cylinder, the copper plating bath comprising: (a) a source of copper ions; (b) a source of methane sulphonate ions; (c) a source of chloride ions; (d) an organosulphur compound having the formula R—S—R?—SO3?X+ or X+—O3S—R?—S—R—S—R?—SO3—X+, wherein R is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkyl ether, R? is a C2–C4 alkyl group, and X+ is a cation; and (e) a polyether compound and method of using the same. The copper plating bath produces a plating deposit that has a stable hardness and is free from self-annealing during high speed plating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for combinatorially producing a library of materials by means of an electrochemical deposition in an array. The inventive library is made from an array of containers that consist of an electroconductive material, are open to the top and are electroconductively connected to a shared current supply device and is made from a corresponding array of auxiliary electrodes that are electroconductively connected to a shared current supply device and are arranged in such a way that an auxiliary electrode plunges into a container respectively or can be introduced therein without touching said container. The inventive method comprises the following steps: filling the containers with electrolytes having different compositions and containing electrolytically separable elements and applying an electric voltage between the current supply devices of the containers and auxiliary electrodes for obtaining an electrolytic deposition on the surfaces of the containers.

Abstract: A process for the production of wear-resistant, coated surfaces includes the use of at least two electrodes connected to a voltages source which are mounted in, or border, a reaction space through which an electrolyte flows in which the surface to be coated is located. The process is distinguished by the fact that the direction of the flow of the electrolyte is selectively reversed at least once during the coating process to enable better control of the formation of the oxide layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is an apparatus for fabricating a stent which involves processing a tubular member whereby no connection points to join the edges of a flat pattern are necessary. The process includes the steps of: a) preparing the surface of a tubular member, b) coating the outside surface of the tubular member with a photo-sensitive resist material, c) placing the tubular member in an apparatus designed to simultaneously rotate the tubular member while passing a specially configured photographic frame negative between a light source and the tubular member, d) exposing the tubular member to a photoresist developer, e) rinsing the excess developer and uncured resist from the exposed tubular member, f) sealing the inner lumen of the tubular member, and g) treating the tubular member with a chemical or electro-chemical process to remove uncovered metal. By modifying the photographic negative, this process can be employed to fabricate a virtually unlimited number of stent designs and configurations.

Abstract: A heat-resistant resin film having a metallic thin film accumulated thereon or an endless belt having a metallic thin film accumulated thereon having good mechanical characteristics is produced in a simple process. A metallic thin film is formed on an inner surface of a cylindrical substrate, and a layer of a heat-resistant resin is formed thereon. An accumulated body of the heat-resistant resin and the metallic thin film is peeled off from the substrate. The metallic thin film may be formed by electroplating, electroless plating or vapor deposition, or may also be formed by attaching a metallic foil having been prepared on an inner surface of the substrate. The heat-resistant resin layer is formed by injecting a polyamide acid solution in a rotational drum, and then formed by centrifugal forming by rotating the rotational drum on rollers under heating. After forming, imidization is conducted by heating and baking to form a film member of a thermosetting polyimide.

Abstract: A metal layer uniform in thickness is formed by electroless plating on both inner and outer surfaces of a corrugated tube to thereby produce a shield-plated corrugated tube which has a satisfactory flexibility as well as a superior electromagnetically shielding effect. Specifically, in the corrugated tube of resin, at least the size and shape of groove portions inside the tube for forming the convex-concave portions of the tube wall are set to satisfy the condition of 1.5<D/W<1.6 where D represents the depth of each groove portion in the radial direction of the tube and W represents the width of each groove portion in the axial direction of the tube. The metal layers are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the corrugated tube by electroless plating.

Abstract: A method for performing electrochemical processes using an array of dedicated cells is disclosed. Various construction details and steps of the method are developed which promote, in one embodiment, automating the method of performing the processes and cleaning the articles between electrochemical processes. In one embodiment, the array of dedicated cells includes rinsing cells which have a rinse chamber adapted to receive an article and flow rinse fluid such that the fluid impinges against the article at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A method for producing an inner tin film on the surface of plumbing components, such as those made of red brass or yellow brass, for drinking water supply. The lead content on the inner surface of the hollow component parts is first reduced by treatment with an acid-based aqueous reducing solution. For this purpose, chloride-free and sulfate-free, non-oxidizing hydracids may be used. The hollow component parts are subsequently chemically internally tinned.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in electrochemical processes, such as plating processes, has a first electrode which extends circumferentially about at least a portion of an electrode chamber. The article being treated is the second electrode and is disposed within the chamber. Electrolyte is flowed between the two electrodes. Various construction details of the electrochemical cell are developed which facilitate a plating process. In one embodiment, a supply conduit to the electrode chamber has a swirler.

Abstract: A process is provided for electrolytically depositing copper onto a workpiece. The process includes the steps of providing a copper generation vessel and generating a copper plating solution from solid-state copper in the vessel. The plating solution so generated is continuously circulated between the copper generation vessel and a plating vessel. An insoluble, dimensionally stable anode is provided in the plating vessel in contact with the plating solution. The workpiece is immersed in the plating solution in the plating vessel in close proximity to the anode. Electric current is passed through the plating solution between the anode and the workpiece to be plated so that the workpiece acts as a cathode in an electrolytic circuit and copper ions are electrolytically deposited on the workpiece. The process ensures that the workpiece is positioned relative to the anode so that all surfaces to be plated are exposed to the anode surface.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of forming a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target. A conductive material is provided in a container-shape. The container-shape comprises an interior region and an exterior region, and the conductive material comprises an interior surface along the interior region as well as an exterior surface along the exterior region. A sputtering material is electrolytically deposited on at least one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the container-shaped conductive material. The invention also encompasses a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target. The target includes a first conductive material in a container-shape, with the container-shape comprising an interior region and an exterior region. The first conductive material comprises an interior surface along the interior region of the container-shape and an exterior surface along the exterior region of the container shape.

Abstract: A method of depositing a metal coating (28) on the interconnect (26) of a tubular, hollow fuel cell (10) contains the steps of providing the fuel cell (10) having an exposed interconnect surface (26); contacting the inside of the fuel cell (10) with a cathode (45) without use of any liquid materials; passing electrical current through a contacting applicator (46) which contains a metal electrolyte solution; passing the current from the applicator (46) to the cathode (45) and contacting the interconnect (26) with the applicator (46) and coating all of the exposed interconnect surface.

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral for a mechanical spiral balance-wheel oscillator in watchwork or other precision instrument, made of a paramagnetic alloy, contains at least one of the elements Nb, V, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf and is covered with a substantially uniform oxide layer having a thickness greater than or equal to 20 nm, formed by subjecting the said spiral to an anodizing treatment.

Abstract: The specification describes interconnection techniques for interconnecting large arrays of micromechanical devices on a silicon platform. Interconnections are routed through vias extending through the thickness of the substrate. The vias are formed by etching holes through the silicon wafer, depositing an insulating layer on the sidewalls of the holes, depositing a barrier layer on the insulating layer, electrolytically depositing a metal selected from the group consisting of copper and nickel to form via plugs in the holes, and depositing another barrier layer over the via plugs. It is found that electrolytic deposition will successfully plug the holes even when the aspect ratio of the through holes is greater than four and the hole diameter less than 100 microns.

Abstract: Apparatus for metal plating an article comprising a frame having a plurality of sealing members positioned thereon, the frame being capable of conducting an electrical current between sealing members, each sealing member being adapted to be in close contact with part of an article to be located thereon, and to thereby substantially prevent fluid from touching that part of the article or entering into a bore or recess of the article, each sealing member further being adapted to conduct current between the frame and the article.