National Semiconductor Corporation

Michael Seyffert

Gerald C Laverty

Robert M Allen

Steven W Taatjes

August Kalin

Alan F d'Entremont

A discrete, precut strip, lead frame plating system wherein each strip is loaded onto a linked chain, located against plating masks, contacted electrically, plated, dried, and unloaded from the chain in successive sequential fashion.

Discrete length strip plater

To cut a strip of metal into exact lengths, rollers are brought into contact with the strip and turned by an accurate motor until a pin can be mechanically inserted into a hole in the strip to effect final alignment. If the pin does not successfully enter the hole, a detector halts the system.

Lead frame advance system

In a system for plating precisely located spots on an intermittently moved strip of metal, a spring loaded pawl on the spot defining mask is positioned to grasp holes in the strip and move just the mask a short distance with the strip so as to insure mask alignment with the strip.

Self-adjusting plating mask

A contact for making electrical connections to a moving strip of metal, so as to permit plating the strip, in which grooved members engage just the edges of the strip, thus avoiding scratches on the face of the strip.

Edge contacting plating electrode

A consumable-anode selective plating apparatus for plating a continuous metal strip having a container for containing a consumable anode material, a mask assembly for exposing selected areas of said continuous metal strip to an electrolyte, a source of electrolyte and a source of power and conductors for passing a current through said electrolyte, consumable anode material and metal strip.

Consumable-anode selective plating apparatus

A selective jet plating system having a plurality of stationary, plating jets and a pair of split concentric annular rotatable members for continuously plating metal on a metal strip is described. The rotatable members are provided for transporting the metal strip continuously past the jets. The fluid jets are spaced in a circle interior of the annular members for jetting plating fluid radially outwardly through an adjustable slot between the annular members against the strip as the strip is transported by the annular members past the jets. Also provided is a plurality of cathode electrodes which are provided at spaced locations along the path of travel and in sliding contact with the strip. The jets are made of a fluid-compatible metallic material for forming an anode. A back-up belt is also provided for providing a back-up for the strip to prevent fluid loss through the strip if the strip has holes in it. The annular members are further provided to be adjustable relative to each other and to the strip for adjusting the width and position of the plating deposited on the strip.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

Michael Seyffert