US3657097A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selective plating machines
Assignee: KIRKBY PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT L
•
Filing: 1970-02-04
•
Granted: 1972-04-18
•
Expires: 1990-02-04
Abstract
Abstract Electro-plating machines are described, which enable plating to be carried out selectively, but using tanks for electrolytes and other treating liquids which include weirs adjustable in height so as to allow adjustment of the heights of the treating liquids. The objects to be plated are desirably mounted from a trackway, preferably formed by the current busbar, and are moved along the trackway by means of a transport system.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred James Baldock
- 👤 John Joseph Miles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:46
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D5/00; C25D5/02; B; B65; B65G; B65G49/00; B65G49/02; B65G49/04; B65G49/0409; B65G49/0436; B65G49/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
An electroplating machine comprising, in combination, at least one tank in the form of an elongated substantially horizontal trough, through which articles to be electroplated are passed; at least one weir within said trough adjacent an end thereof; each weir being adjustable in height so that the height of the electrolyte within the trough inwardly of the weir can be adjusted by adjustment of the weir height; means connected to that part of said trough inwardly of each weir and operable to supply electrolyte to said part of said trough; and means connected to said trough outwardly of each weir and operable to withdraw, from the adjacent end part of the trough, electrolyte flowing over the weir; whereby selected lengths of the lower ends of articles passed horizontally through said trough can be treated by adjustment of the height of the electrolyte within said trough by adjustment of the weir height.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
An electroplating machine comprising, in combination, at least one tank in the form of an elongated substantially horizontal trough, through which articles to be electroplated are passed; at least one weir within said trough adjacent an end thereof; each weir being adjustable in height so that the height of the electrolyte within the trough inwardly of the weir can be adjusted by adjustment of the weir height; means connected to that part of said trough inwardly of each weir and operable to supply electrolyte to said part of said trough; and means connected to said trough outwardly of each weir and operable to withdraw, from the adjacent end part of the trough, electrolyte flowing over the weir; whereby selected lengths of the lower ends of articles passed horizontally through said trough can be treated by adjustment of the height of the electrolyte within said trough by adjustment of the weir height.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 1, including a respective adjustable height weir within said trough adjacent each end of said trough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electroplating machine according to claim 2, wherein electrolyte drained from the end parts of the trough is recirculated to the part located between the weirs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 1, in which each weir includes a fixed plate, having at least one notch extending downwardly from its upper edge, and further includes an adjustable plate juxtaposed with said fixed plate and adjustable in height to control the effective depth of said notch to adjust the effective overflow height of the weir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 1, in which each weir includes a fixed plate; dies extending downwardly from the upper edge of said fixed plate; and removable plates interchangeably engageable in said guides; said removable plates each having a notch extending downwardly from its upper edge, and said notches having respectively different dimensions to adjust the overflow height of the weir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An electroplating machine, as claimed in claim 1, including a track suspending the articles to be treated; an endless conveyor located above said tank and adjacent said track; and pusher dogs on said endless conveyor operable to push the articles along the track and through said tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
80 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 1, including plural said tanks, substantially identical in construction, components and connections, arranged in succession in longitudinal alignment with each other for passage of the articles successively therethrough; whereby the articles may be passed in a straight line through said electroplating machine, with the respective heights of liquid in each tank being selectively adjustable by the associated adjustable height weirs to control the lengths of the lower ends of the articles to be treated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 7, in which each of said tanks has a different respective treating liquid supplied thereto and withdrawn therefrom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 8, in which at least one of said tanks has a washing liquid supplied thereto and withdrawn therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electroplating machine, according to claim 8, in which at least one of said tanks has a degreasing liquid supplied thereto and withdrawn therefrom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-18 | 1975-10-18 | 1976-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-18 | 1979-10-18 | 1980-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-10-18 | 1984-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |