Xerox Corporation

Patricia Bischoping

William G Herbert

Robert P Altavela

Peter J Schmitt

Ronald E Jansen

Henry G Grey

John H Lennon

Lawrence Kotowicz

This invention relates to an electroforming device and a process used to electroform a metal layer on an inner surface of a female mandrel. The electrolytic solution flows only through an electrolytic solution passageway that defines the inner surface as the walls of the passageway. The mandrel may include more than one electrolytic solution passageway, or multiple mandrels may be used in a sequential order to mass produce the electroforms.

Electroforming process

There is disclosed an apparatus for depositing metal on a member comprising: (a) a first electrode comprising a first corrugated side; (b) a second electrode having the same polarity as the first electrode and comprising a second corrugated side, wherein the second corrugated side is disposed opposite the first corrugated side, and spaced therefrom; (c) a channel defined by the first corrugated side and the second corrugated side for movement of the member therebetween, wherein the channel has a plurality of alternating expansive areas and constrictive areas; and (d) a conveyor device for transporting the member through the channel.

Apparatus for electrodeposition

An electroforming/electrodeposition process and apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, a channel defined by the first and second electrodes and at least one electrically nonconductive or poorly conductive shield disposed adjacent at least one electrode. The shield(s) define(s) a region of the channel wherein the surface of a mandrel placed in that region experiences substantially uniform current density. The apparatus may contain additional electroforming/electrodeposition and/or other steps and may be arranged in a carousel apparatus with one or more mandrels to permit continuous operation of the apparatus.

Electroforming semi-step carousel, and process for using the same

An apparatus for depositing metal which provides a brushless electrical current continuity between a member, such as an electroforming mandrel or an electroplating rack, and a current source, comprising: (a) an electrode; (b) a member, spaced apart from the electrode, wherein the member defines a space that is partially or fully filled with a first conductive liquid in electrical contact with the member; (c) a second conductive liquid electrically isolated from the electrode; and (d) connecting means for electrically connecting the first conductive liquid and the second conductive liquid.

Brushless electrodeposition apparatus

An apparatus is disclosed for depositing metal on a mandrel which provides a brushless electrical current continuity between the mandrel and a current source, comprising: (a) a metal deposition vessel; (b) an electrode disposed in the vessel; (c) a mandrel disposed in the vessel, spaced apart from the electrode; (d) an electrically conductive liquid disposed in the vessel; (e) an electrolytic solution disposed in the tank; (f) a layer of a substantially electrically nonconductive material disposed between the electrolytic solution and the conductive liquid; and (g) connecting means for electrically connecting the mandrel and the conductive liquid, coupled to the mandrel.

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Webster, NY, United States of America

Patricia Bischoping