Electroplated member and method and apparatus for electroplating

Claim 2

The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein the means forming the parallel walls is a tank including a fluid discharge means having an opening adjacent the electrode assembly, the height of the opening being slightly less than the height at which the electrolyte solution passes into the region between the diaphragm member and the electrode assembly.

Claim 3

The apparatus defined in claim 3 wherein the means for directing the electrolyte solution upward between the holder means and the diaphragm member includes a slot in the bottom of the tank adjacent the holder means as mounted in the tank and extending between the parallel walls and means for introducing solution along the slot at a uniform pressure to flow upward between the holder means and the diaphragm member.

Claim 4

Apparatus for simultaneously electrodepositing uniform metallic films on opposing substantially flat platable surfaces of a member to be plated, comprising: a tank having a bottom and normal thereto two opposing substantially parallel, inner walls all of a nonconductive material, the tank being adapted for containing an electrolyte solution; holder means having opposing substantially flat platable surfaces and an opening therein of substantially the same shape as the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the opposing platable surfaces of the member form substantially flat continuous surfaces with the opposing platable surfaces of the holder means; first and second electrode assemblies having substantially flat eLectrode surfaces; means mounting the holder means in the tank substantially normal to the opposing walls to divide the tank into first and second compartments; means mounting the first electrode assembly in the first compartment to extend a flat electrode surface between the opposing walls substantially parallel to a flat platable surface of the member to be plated; means mounting the second electrode assembly in the second compartment to extend a flat electrode surface between the opposing walls substantially parallel to an opposing flat platable surface of the member to be plated; the flat platable surfaces and the flat electrode surfaces each extending essentially up to and normal to the bottom and the two walls of the tank; and means for developing a uniform parallel electric field between the first and second electrode assemblies and the holder means through the electrolyte solution contained in the first and second compartments substantially normal to the opposing flat platable surfaces of the member to be plated.

Claim 5

Apparatus for simultaneously electrodepositing uniform metallic films on opposing substantially flat platable surfaces of a member to be plated, comprising: a tank having inner walls of a nonconductive material, two of the walls being opposite and substantially parallel to each other, the tank being adapted for containing an electrolyte solution; holder means having opposing substantially flat platable surfaces and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the opposing platable surfaces of the member form substantially flat surfaces with the opposing platable surface of the holder; first and second electrode assemblies, each having a substantially flat electrode surface; first and second porous diaphragm members of a nonconductive material which is insoluble in the electrolyte solution for passing the electrolyte solution through its pores when a predetermined pressure differential is developed thereacross; means for mounting the holder means to extend opposing flat platable surfaces between and substantially normal to the opposite walls of the tank to divide the tank into first and second separate compartments; means for mounting the first electrode assembly in the first compartment to extend a flat electrode surface between the opposite walls of the tank substantially parallel to one of the flat platable surfaces of the member to be plated; means for mounting the second electrode assembly in the second compartment to extend a flat electrode surface between the opposite walls of the tank substantially parallel to the remaining flat platable surface of the member to be plated; means for mounting the first diaphragm member in the first compartment to extend upward from the bottom of the tank and between the opposite walls of the tank adjacent to the holder means to isolate the holder means from the solution adjacent the first electrode assembly; means for mounting the second diaphragm member in the second compartment to extend upward from the bottom of the tank and between the opposite walls of the tank adjacent the holder means to isolate the holder means from the solution adjacent the second electrode assembly; means for causing clean electrolytic solution to flow from the bottom of the tank upward between the holder means and the first and second diaphragm members to pass fresh electrolyte solution over the opposing plating surfaces of the holder means and the member to be plated and into regions between the diaphragm members and the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, at heights at which a pressure differential is developed across the first and second diaphragm members sufficient to prevent flow of the electrolyte solution through the diaphragm members toward the holder means; and means for electrically connecting the first and second electrode assemblies as anodes and the holder means as a cathode including means for applying a current signal to the first and second electrode assemblies to develop uniform, parallel electric fields between the flat surfaces of the holder and the first and second electrode assemblies normal to the opposing platable surfaces of the member to be plated.

Claim 6

The apparatus defined in claim 6 including first and second fluid discharge means having openings adjacent the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, the heights of the openings being slightly less than the heights at which the electrolyte solution passes into the regions between the first and second diaphragm members and the first and second electrode assemblies.

Claim 7

Apparatus for use in the electrodepositing of metallic films on members having substantially flat opposing platable surfaces, comprising: a holder having opposing substantially flat platable surfaces and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the opposing platable surfaces of the member form substantially flat surfaces with the opposing platable surfaces of the holder; first and second electrode assemblies each having a substantially flat electrode surface; first and second porous diaphragm members of nonconductive material for passing an electrolyte solution through its pores only when a predetermined pressure differential is developed thereacross; and a tank having two opposing inner walls of nonconductive material, which are substantially parallel to each other and including means defining a slot in the bottom of the tank, means for receiving the holder with the member to be plated to extend the flat platable surfaces between and substantially normal to the opposing walls over the slot to divide the tank into two compartments, means adjacent and on opposite sides of the holder as mounted in the tank for receiving the first and second diaphragm members, respectively, to extend from the bottom of the tank upward to a predetermined height and between the opposite walls of the tank, means positioned on opposite sides of the holder as mounted in the tank and spaced from the means for receiving the first and second diaphragm members for receiving the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, such that the flat electrode surfaces thereof are substantially parallel to the opposing platable surfaces of the holder, and first and second fluid discharge means having openings adjacent the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively, as mounted in the tank, the height of the openings being slightly less than the predetermined height of the first and second diaphragm members as mounted in the tank.

Claim 8

The apparatus defined in claim 8 including means for introducing fluid along the slot in the bottom of the tank at a uniform pressure to rise upward on opposite sides of the holder between the holder and the first and second diaphragm members.

Claim 9

The apparatus defined in claim 9 wherein the means for introducing fluid at a uniform pressure includes a tapered tube having its smaller end enclosed and its larger end positioned to receive the fluid, the tapered tube having ports therein spaced from each other and facing the slot in the bottom of the tank, and a baffle for smoothing the flow of fluid through the ports positioned between the slot in the bottom of the tank and the ports in the tapered tube.

Claim 10

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having an interior nonconductive surface defining a predetermined cross section for containing an electrolyte solution, a holder having a flat platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member such that the flat surface of the member forms a continuous surface with the flat surface of the holder, the continuous surface being mounted in the contAiner at a right angle to said nonconductive surface and extending over essentially all of said predetermined cross section.

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 11 including means for generating an electric field through the electrolyte solution, the shape of the container and the generating means applying a uniform electric field up to and normal to substantially all of the continuous surface extending across the cross section of solution.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including means for securing the member to be plated within the opening in said holder.

Claim 13

Apparatus as defined in claim 11 comprising means for passing clean electrolyte solution over at least a portion of the continuous surface including the flat platable surface of the member.

Claim 14

Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the member to be plated has opposing substantially flat platable surfaces and wherein said holder has opposing substantially flat platable surfaces, the member to be plated being mountable in the opening of said holder such that the opposing flat surfaces of the member form opposing continuous surfaces with the flat surfaces of the holder, the generating means generating said field to both of the opposing continuous surfaces.

Claim 15

Apparatus as defined in claim 15 comprising means for passing clean electrolyte solution over at least a portion of both of the continuous surfaces including the flat platable surfaces of the member.

Claim 16

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having an interior surface for containing an electrolyte solution, spaced-apart positions existing along said interior surface for an electrode and a member to be plated, the interior nonconductive surface defining a substantially constant cross section in size and shape in between the electrode position and the member position for containing the electrolyte solution, an electrode having a flat surface, a holder having a flat platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated such that the flat surface of the member forms a continuous surface with the flat surface of the holder, the continuous surface of said holder and the flat surface of said electrode being parallel to each other and mounted at the electrode and member positions, respectively, at right angles to said nonconductive surface and extending over essentially all of said cross section at the respective positions.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the said interior surface comprises two flat parallel sidewalls and a flat bottom normal to said sidewalls.

Claim 18

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having at least two parallel interior nonconductive sidewalls and a nonconductive bottom for containing the solution; an electrode having a flat surface; a holder having a flat platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated such that the flat surface of the member forms a continuous surface with the flat surface of the holder; the continuous surface of said holder and the flat surface of said electrode being spaced apart parallel to each other and mounted in said container at right angles to said walls and bottom and extending essentially from wall to wall and to the bottom such that the platable surface of the member may be completely immersed in the solution.

Claim 19

Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said walls and bottom are arranged such that said flat electrode surface and said flat continuous surface covering said cross section are positioned in direct alignment.

Claim 20

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having a nonconductivE interior surface defining a predetermined rectangular cross section, in between an electrode position and a position for the member to be plated for confining an electrolyte solution; an electrode having a flat surface; a holder having a flat platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member such that the flat surface of said member forms a continuous surface with the flat surface of said holder; said electrodes and holder being mounted in the interior of said container at the respective electrode and member positions parallel to each other and normal to said interior surface and both extending essentially from side to side and to the bottom of said rectangular cross section to thereby permit a uniform electric field to be generated in the solution over at least a portion of said continuous flat surface including the platable surface of the member.

Claim 21

A member having a metallic film of uniform thickness and magnetic properties electrodeposited on a flat platable surface thereof in a fluid electrolyte solution contained so as to have a predetermined cross section in size and shape while the member is mounted in a holder having a flat platable surface continuous with and surrounding the flat platable surface of the member, the flat continuous surface extending over the cross section of fluid while a uniform electric field is generated through the electrolyte of predetermined cross section up to the continuous surface.

Claim 22

Apparatus for electrodepositing a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: a tank having two opposing inner walls and a bottom wall of a nonconductive material adapted for containing an electrolyte solution; holder means having a substantially flat platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the platable surface of the member forms a substantially flat continuous surface with the platable surface of the holder; an electrode assembly having a substantially flat electrode surface; means mounting the holder means within the tank, the holder means extending a flat platable surface substantially normal to the opposing walls of the tank extending essentially from one of said walls to the other and to said bottom wall such that the platable surface of the member to be plated may be completely immersed in the electrolyte solution; and means mounting the electrode assembly within the tank, the electrode assembly extending a flat electrode surface from essentially one of said opposing walls of the tank to essentially the other and to the bottom wall and substantially parallel to the platable surface of the holder means.

Claim 23

Apparatus as defined in claim 23 including means for electrically connecting the electrode assembly as an anode and the holder means and the member to be plated as a cathode including means for applying a current signal to the electrode assembly, the shape of the tank permitting a uniform parallel electric field to be formed between and substantially normal to the flat surfaces of the holder means and the electrode assembly.

Claim 24

The apparatus defined in claim 23 including means for imparting relative movement between the holder and the electrolyte solution adjacent thereto.

Claim 25

Apparatus for electrodepositing a uniform metallic film on a platable surface of a member to be plated comprising: a tank having two parallel sides and normal thereto a bottom which are formed of an electrically nonconductive material and being adapted for containing an electrolyte solution; rectangular-shaped holder means having a platable surface and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the platable surface of the member forms a substantially continuous surface with the platable surface of the holder means; a rectangular-shapeD electrode assembly having an electrode surface; means mounting the holder means in the tank normal to both sides and to the bottom; means mounting the electrode assembly in the tank normal to both sides and to the bottom; the electrode assembly and holder means being constructed such that the electrode surface and continuous surface extend essentially from one of the sides to the other and to the bottom of the tank.

Claim 26

Apparatus as defined in claim 26 including means for developing an electric signal between the electrode assembly and the holder means thereby forming a uniform field substantially normal to the continuous surface.

Claim 27

Apparatus defined in claim 26 including means for imparting relative movement between the holder means and the electrolyte solution adjacent thereto.

Claim 28

Apparatus for electrodepositing a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising: container means forming a bottom and normal thereto a pair of substantially parallel walls having opposing surfaces all of a nonconductive material; holder means having a pair of substantially flat platable surfaces and an opening therein for receiving the member to be plated; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the platable surfaces of the member forms substantially flat continuous surfaces with the platable surfaces of the holder; a pair of electrode assemblies each having a substantially flat electrode surface; means mounting the holder means normal to the parallel walls and to the bottom, the outer periphery of the platable surfaces extending essentially up to and following the contour of the parallel walls and the bottom; and means mounting the electrode assemblies on either side of the holder means normal to the parallel walls and the bottom, the outer periphery of the electrode surfaces extending essentially up to and following the contour of the parallel walls and the bottom.

Claim 29

Apparatus according to claim 29 including means for developing an electric field between the electrode assemblies and the holder means thereby forming a uniform field normal to the continuous surfaces.

Claim 30

Apparatus according to claim 29 including means for directing clean electrolytic solution over the flat surface of the holder means between the holder means and the electrode assembly, the electrolyte solution containing ions of the metal to be electrodeposited, the electrolytic solution in the container means passing over the member to be plated.

Claim 31

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated having an outer periphery of a first size and shape, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having an interior nonconductive surface defining a predetermined interior cross section having an outer periphery of a second size and shape for containing an electrolyte solution, a holder having a flat platable surface and an opening therein of substantially the same size and shape as the outer periphery of said member, the flat surface of the member forming a continuous surface with the flat surface of the holder, when mounted in said opening, the continuous surface of said holder being mounted in the container at a right angle to said nonconductive surface and extending over essentially all of said predetermined cross section to permit a uniform electric field to be applied in the solution up to and normal to substantially all of the continuous surface in the solution.

Claim 32

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated having an outer periphery of a first size and shape, comprising: a container for an electrolyte solution having an interior nonconductive surface defining a predetermined interior cross section having an outer periphery of a second size and shape for containing an electrolyte solution, a holder haviNg a flat platable surface and an opening therein of substantially the same size and shape as the outer periphery of said member, the flat surface of the member forming a continuous surface with the flat surface of the holder, when mounted in said opening, the continuous surface of said holder being mounted in the container at a right angle to said nonconductive surface and extending over essentially all of said predetermined cross section, and means for generating an electric field through the electrolyte solution, the shape of the container and the generating means causing a uniform electric field to be applied in the solution up to and normal to substantially all of the continuous surface in the solution.

Claim 33

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member to be plated, the member having an outer periphery of a first size and shape, the apparatus comprising: a tank including two sides and a bottom having a cross-sectional shape or size different from that of the outer periphery of the member to be plated, the tank being adapted for containing an electrolyte solution; holder means having a flat platable surface and an opening therein of substantially the same size and shape as the member to be plated, the holder means having an outer periphery of substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the sides and bottom of the tank and dimensioned to extend essentially from side to side and to the bottom of the tank; means for supporting the member to be plated in the opening such that the platable surface of the member forms a substantially continuous surface with the platable surface of the holder means; an electrode assembly having a substantially flat electrode surface and an outer periphery of substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the sides and bottom of the tank and extending essentially from side to side and to the bottom of the tank; means supporting the holder means and electrode assembly spaced apart and parallel to each other in said tank and substantially normal to the sides and to the bottom of said tank.

Claim 34

Apparatus according to claim 34 including means for electrically connecting the electrode assembly as an anode and the member to be plated and the holder means as a cathode, the shape of the sides and bottom permitting a uniform electric field to be formed over substantially all of the continuous surface.

Claim 35

A process for electroplating a metallic film of uniform thickness on a flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising the steps of: positioning the member to be plated in a holder such that the flat platable surface is surrounded by and forms an integral portion of a larger flat, substantially continuous, platable surface with the holder; immersing the flat platable surface in an electrolyte solution which is contained within a predetermined cross section such that the larger flat platable surface extends over essentially all of said cross section of solution; and generating a uniform electric field through the electrolyte solution up to and normal to substantially all of said larger flat continuous platable surface which is extending over said cross section of solution.

Claim 36

A process as defined in claim 36 wherein the step of generating includes the step of positioning an electrode in the contained solution which extends over essentially all of said cross section of solution.

Claim 37

A process as defined in claim 37 wherein the electrode and larger flat continuous platable surface are aligned parallel with respect to each other.

Claim 38

A process as defined in claim 38 wherein the solution is contained within substantially the same cross section in between said electrode and said larger flat continuous platable surface.

Claim 39

A process for electroplating a metallic film of uniform thickness on a flat platable surface of a member to be plated, comprising the steps of: positioning the mEmber to be plated in an opening in a holder having a substantially flat rectangular platable surface such that the flat platable surface of the member is surrounded by and forms an integral portion of a larger flat, substantially continuous, platable surface with the holder; containing an electrolyte solution within a rectangular cross section of substantially the same size and shape as said larger flat rectangular platable surface; immersing said continuous platable surface in said contained solution extending the larger flat continuous platable surface over essentially all of said cross section of solution; and generating a uniform electric field through the electrolyte solution up to and normal to substantially all of said larger flat continuous platable surface which is extending over said cross section of solution.

Claim 40

A process for simultaneously electroplating metallic films of uniform thickness on opposing flat platable surfaces of a member to be plated, comprising the steps of: positioning the member within a holder having opposing flat platable surfaces such that the flat opposing surfaces of the member form part of larger continuous flat surfaces with the opposing surfaces of the holder; immersing the flat platable surfaces in an electrolyte solution which is contained within a predetermined cross section such that the larger flat platable surfaces extend over essentially all of said cross section of solution; and generating a uniform electric field through the electrolyte solution up to and normal to substantially all of said larger flat continuous platable surfaces which are extending over said cross section of solution.

Claim 41

A process as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of generating includes the step of positioning electrodes in said solution on opposite sides of said holder both electrodes extending surfaces over essentially all of said cross section of solution.

Claim 42

A process as defined in claim 42 wherein the electrodes and larger flat continuous platable surfaces are aligned parallel with respect to each other.

Claim 43

A process as defined in claim 42 wherein the solution is contained within substantially the same cross section in between said electrodes and said larger flat continuous platable surfaces.

Claim 44

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member, comprising: a container having an interior nonconductive surface for containing an electrolyte solution in a substantially right cylindrical volume in between first and second electrode positions, first and second substantially parallel electrodes respectively positioned at said first and second positions and extending substantially normal to said nonconductive surface over substantially all of the cross section of said volume thereby enabling a substantially uniform electric field to be generated throughout the solution between the electrodes, and a platable holder constructed for mounting said member and having a substantially flat electroplatable surface, said electroplatable surfaces of said holder and said member being electrically connected together and comprising part of a larger platable surface comprising said first electrode.

Claim 45

Apparatus according to claim 45 wherein said holder has an opening for receiving said member and said flat electroplatable surface is positioned in substantially the same plane as said flat platable surface of said member.

Claim 46

Apparatus according to claim 46 wherein said holder comprises a clamping member for bridging said member and holder and extending around said member to be plated.

Claim 47

Apparatus according to claim 46 wherein said holder comprises an inner platable surface immediately surrounding said member in substantially the same plane as the platable surface of said member and an outer surface extending around said inner surface in a different plane.

Claim 48

Apparatus according to claim 48 wherein said holder comprises a removable adapter which eXtends around said member and which includes said inner surface.

Claim 49

Apparatus according to claim 49 wherein said adapter has a further surface extending around said inner surface in the same plane as said outer surface.

Claim 50

Apparatus according to claim 50 including first and second electrically conductive clamping members extending respectively around the outer edges of said member and said further surface of said adapter for electrically and mechanically interconnecting said member to said inner surface and said further surface to said outer surface.

Claim 51

Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said adapter comprises an inclined surface at an oblique angle to said inner and outer surfaces for providing a transition between the different planes.

Claim 52

Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said member and said opening are round and said adapter is ring-shaped.

Claim 53

Apparatus according to claim 46 wherein said member has an opening therein and wherein said first electrode additionally comprises an electroplatable member electrically and mechanically connected to said member in the opening thereof.

Claim 54

Apparatus according to claim 45 wherein said member has opposing substantially flat parallel platable surfaces and wherein the container contains the electrolyte solution in said right cylindrical volume to a third position on the opposite side of said first position from said second position, a third electrode parallel to said first electrode and extending substantially normal to said nonconductive surface over substantially all of the cross section of said volume.

Claim 55

Apparatus according to claim 55 comprising means for applying plating currents between said first and second electrodes and between said first and third electrodes.

Claim 56

Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said means for applying plating currents comprises means for independently regulating the plating currents between said second and first electrodes and between said third and first electrodes.

Claim 57

Apparatus according to claim 45 including a narrow nonconductive member interposed between said electroplatable surfaces of said member and of said holder.

Claim 58

Apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said nonconductive member extends above at least one of said electroplatable surfaces.

Claim 59

Apparatus for electroplating a uniform metallic film on a substantially flat platable surface of a member having a predetermined peripheral configuration, comprising: a container having an interior nonconductive surface defining a substantially right cylindrical volume for containing an electrolyte solution in between first and second electrode positions, the cross-sectional configuration of said volume being different from the predetermined configuration of said member, first and second substantially parallel electrodes respectively positioned at said first and second positions, said first and second electrodes extending substantially normal to said nonconductive surface across substantially all of the cross section of said volume, said first electrode comprising a holder having a platable surface and having an opening of substantially the same configuration as said predetermined peripheral configuration of said member and adapted for receiving said member, said first electrode having a platable surface comprising the platable surface of said holder extending from around said opening across substantially all of the cross section of said volume enabling a substantially uniform electrical field to be generated throughout the solution between the electrodes when said member is mounted therein.

Claim 60

Apparatus according to claim 60 comprising a clamping member for securing said member in the opening of said holder.

Claim 61

Apparatus according to claim 60 wherein said holder comprises an inner platable surface immediately surrounding said opening in substantially the same plane as the platable surface of said member when mounted therein and an outer surface around said inner surface positionEd in a different plane.

Claim 62

Apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said holder comprises a removable adapter which surrounds said opening and which includes said inner surface.

Claim 63

Apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said adapter has a further surface around said inner surface in the same plane as said outer surface.

Claim 64

Apparatus according to claim 64 including first and second electrically conductive clamping members extending respectively around the outer edges of said opening and said further surface of said adapter for electrically and mechanically interconnecting said member to said inner surface and said further surface to said outer surface.

Claim 65

Apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said adapter comprises an inclined platable surface at an oblique angle to said inner and outer surfaces for providing a transition between the surfaces at different planes.

Claim 66

Apparatus according to claim 64 wherein the peripheral configuration of said member and said opening are round and said adapter is ring-shaped.

Claim 67

Apparatus according to claim 45 wherein said member has opposing substantially flat parallel platable surfaces and wherein the container contains the electrolyte solution in the substantially right cylindrical volume to a third position on the opposite side of said first position from said second position, and a third electrode parallel to said first electrode and extending substantially normal to said nonconductive surface across substantially all of the cross section of said volume.

Claim 68

Apparatus according to claim 60 wherein said nonconductive surface comprises two flat and parallel walls and a bottom normal to said sides.

Claim 69

A member having a metallic film of uniform thickness and magnetic properties electrodeposited on a flat platable surface thereof in a fluid electrolyte solution contained so as to have a substantially right angle cylindrical volume while the member is mounted on a holder therefor having a platable surface, said surfaces of said member and holder forming part of a larger platable surface extending over substantially all of the cross section of said volume while a uniform electric field is generated through the solution normal to and up to the larger surface.

Claim 70

A process for electroplating a metallic film of uniform thickness on a flat platable surface of a member, comprising the steps of: positioning the member to be plated in a holder having a platable surface such that the flat platable surface of the member forms a portion of a larger platable surface with the holder; immersing the larger platable surface in an electrolyte solution which is contained within a substantially constant cross section such that the larger platable surface extends over substantially all of said cross section of solution; and generating a uniform electric field through the electrolyte solution up to and normal to substantially all of said larger platable surface.

Claim 71

A process as defined in claim 71 comprising the step of positioning an electrode in said electrolyte solution substantially parallel to the larger platable surface and extending substantially continuously over all of said cross section of solution, containing the electrolyte solution in a cylinder having an axis perpendicular to both said electrode and larger platable surface.

Claim 72

A process as defined in claim 70 wherein said cross section is substantially rectangular.

Claim 73

A process for simultaneously electroplating metallic films of uniform thickness on opposing flat platable surfaces of a member to be plated, comprising the steps of: positioning the member within a holder having opposing flat platable surfaces such that the flat opposing surfaces of the member form part of larger platable surfaces with the opposing surfaces of the holder; immersing the flat platable surfaces in an electrolyte solution which is contained within a substantially constant cross section such that the larger platable surfaces extend over substantially all of said cross section of solution; and generating a uniform electric field through the electrolyte solution up to and normal to substantially all of said larger platable surfaces which are extending over said cross section of solution.

Claim 74

A process as defined in claim 74 comprising the step of positioning a pair of electrodes in said electrolyte solution on either side of and substantially parallel to the larger platable surfaces and extending substantially continuously over all of said cross section of solution, containing the electrolyte solution in a cylinder having an axis perpendicular to both of said electrodes and to said larger platable surfaces.