Chemcut Corporation

Franz R Cordes

Walter J Meyer

Daniel L Goffredo

Conrad D Shakley

Joseph M Brady

Klaus H Gedrat

An electroplating test cell is disclosed which permits the measurement of the throwing power of an acid. The cell comprises a cathode having a member which is surrounded by an insulating tube. The tube redirects the current in the cell, thereby reducing the amount of metal deposited on the cathode. The pattern of metal deposition on the cathode can be used to estimate the throwing power of the acid in the electrolyte.

Electroplating test cell

An electroplating apparatus and method is provided, whereby generally flat workpieces, such as metal plates and the like may be electroplated, on a continuous basis, automatically and without manual intervention. The workpieces are delivered horizontally through a bath of electrolyte. They are conveyed through the bath by being engaged by driven contact wheels that also serve as one of the electrodes. The other electrode is in the bath electrolyte solution. As the workpieces are delivered through the bath, they are engaged and disengaged by the contact wheels, but are always in engagement with contact wheels for not only continuous conveyance, but for continuous electrical connection therewith. A particular slide mount is provided for holding an opposite side of the plate as the plate is carried along its flow path, and this mount is adjustably positionable to accommodate different width workpieces. Solution flow through the electrolyte path is provided on a continuous basis, and both agitates and replenishes the electrolyte solution. Dams are created at ends of the flow path, by the action of squeezing rollers, to prevent passage of electrolyte. Wipers are provided for preventing the turbulence of newly-delivered electrolyte in the bath zone from immediately contacting the contact wheels. Other features are also provided.

Electroplating apparatus and method

An electroplating apparatus and method is provided, whereby generally flat workpieces, such as metal plates and the like may be electroplated, on a continuous basis, automatically and without manual intervention. The workpieces are delivered horizontally through a bath of electrolyte. They are conveyed through the bath by being engaged by driven contact wheels that also serve as one of the electrodes. The other electrode is in the bath electrolyte solution. As the workpieces are delivered through the bath, they are engaged and disengaged by the contact wheels, but are always in engagement with contact wheels for not only continuous conveyance, but for continuous electrical connection therewith. A particular slide mount is provided for holding an opposite side of the plate as the plate is carried along its flow path, and this mount is adjustably positionable to accommodate different width workpieces. Solution flow through the electrolyte bath is provided on a continuous basis, and both agitates and replenishes the electrolyte solution. Dams are created at ends of the flow path, by the action of squeezing rollers, to prevent passage of electrolyte. Wipers are provided for preventing the turbulence of newly-delivered electrolyte in the bath zone from immediately contacting the contact wheels. Other features are also provided.

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State College, PA, United States of America

Franz R Cordes