US4061802A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plating process and bath
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-01-07
•
Granted: 1977-12-06
•
Expires: 1996-01-07
Abstract
Abstract An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles without heat distortion, especially plastic articles, comprising water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath being maintained at an alkaline pH, with the weight of the nickel ions being less than the weight of the hypophosphite anions. The nickel ions may be obtained from nickel salts, the reducing agent may be sodium hypophosphite, and the stabilizing agent may be sodium citrate and ammonium chloride. A replenish mixture for maintaining the bath comprising nickel ions and reducing agent anions in about the same ratio as in the original bath, and a stabilizing agent in about one-third the amount as in the original bath. A method of applying a nickel coating to articles comprising immersing the articles in said electroless nickel bath at room temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis E. Costello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:19
CPC Classifications
C; C23; C23C; C23C18/00; C23C18/16; C23C18/31; C23C18/32; C23C18/34; C23C18/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles comprising about 3/4 gallon of water, about 320 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of nickel chloride, about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite to provide the reducing agent anions for reducing the nickel ions to a metal and about 191/4 ounces of sodium citrate and about 131/2 ounces of ammonium chloride as the stablizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath having a pH of about 8.5, and the ratio by weight of nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles comprising about 3/4 gallon of water, about 320 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of nickel chloride, about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite to provide the reducing agent anions for reducing the nickel ions to a metal and about 191/4 ounces of sodium citrate and about 131/2 ounces of ammonium chloride as the stablizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath having a pH of about 8.5, and the ratio by weight of nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 166.6 ml/l of 30% phosphorus acid (H 3 PO 2 ) is substituted for the sodium hypophosphite, and sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to the solution to adjust the pH to about 8.5.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 158.4 g/l of potassium citrate (K 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 .H 2 O) is substituted for the sodium citrate, and sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to the solution to adjust the pH to 8.7.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 160 g/l of Rochelle salts (KNaC 4 H 4 O 6 .4H 2 O) is substituted for the sodium citrate, sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to adjust the pH to 8.6.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 110.56 g/l of sodium chloride (NaCl) is substituted for the ammonium chloride, and sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to maintain the pH at 8.5.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 141.0 g/l of potassium chloride (KCl) is substituted for the ammonium chloride, and sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to maintain the pH at 8.5.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 180.0 g/l of magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) is substituted for the ammonium chloride, and sufficient ammonium hydroxide is added to maintain the pH at 8.5.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The bath of claim 2, except that 17.6 g/l sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used to adjust the pH to 8.5, instead of ammonium hydroxide.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The bath of claim 2, except that the pH of the bath is adjusted to 8.5 by 24.7 g/l potassium hydroxide (KOH), instead of the ammonium hydroxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient water to bring the solution to 2 liters, reducing the nickel ion concentration to 10.24 gr. per liter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient water to bring the solution to 3 liters, reducing the nickel ion concentration to 5.12 gr. per liter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient water to bring the solution to 4 liters, reducing the nickel ion concentration to 2.56 gr. per liter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient water to bring the solution to 5 liters, reducing the nickel ion concentration to 1.28 gr. per liter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient ammonium hydroxide to bring the pH of the water to 7.5.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient ammonium hydroxide to bring the pH of the water to about 7.0.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The bath of claim 2, including sufficient ammonium hydroxide to bring the pH of the water to about 10.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperature so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel sulphate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperature so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel sulphate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 40.9 gr. of nickel carbonate, 192.3 gr. of citric acid, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.8, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
73 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 40.9 gr. of nickel carbonate, 192.3 gr. of citric acid, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.8, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
68 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following per liter of solution, 86 gr. nickel acetate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 102.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.7, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
68 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following per liter of solution, 86 gr. nickel acetate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 102.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.7, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
69 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following per liter of solution, 135 ml of nickel sulfamate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
69 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following per liter of solution, 135 ml of nickel sulfamate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
70 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to plastic articles at low temperatures so that the plastic articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios: 20.52 gr. of nickel ions, 144 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to place the ingredients into solution.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to plastic articles at low temperatures so that the plastic articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios: 20.52 gr. of nickel ions, 144 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to place the ingredients into solution.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
78 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 31.8 gr. of nickel sulphate, 76.2 gr. of nickel chloride, 183.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 129.0 gr. of ammonium chloride, 114.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 9.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
78 words
An electroless nickel bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 31.8 gr. of nickel sulphate, 76.2 gr. of nickel chloride, 183.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 129.0 gr. of ammonium chloride, 114.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 9.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
62 words
A replenish solution for maintaining a bath for applying a nickel coating to articles, comprising the following ingredients and ratios, for each gallon of replenish solution about 7/8 gallons of water, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of nickel chloride, about 61/2 ounces of sodium citrate, about 41/2 ounces of ammonium chloride, and about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
62 words
A replenish solution for maintaining a bath for applying a nickel coating to articles, comprising the following ingredients and ratios, for each gallon of replenish solution about 7/8 gallons of water, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of nickel chloride, about 61/2 ounces of sodium citrate, about 41/2 ounces of ammonium chloride, and about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The replenish solution of claim 25 including ammonium hydroxide, the pH of the solution being about 8.5.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
86 words
A replenish solution for maintaining a bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following ingredients and ratios, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 oz. of nickel chloride, about 1.9 ounces of sodium citrate, about 1.3 ounces of ammonium chloride, about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to bring the pH of the solution to about 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to about 1 gallon.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
86 words
A replenish solution for maintaining a bath for applying a nickel coating to articles at low temperatures so that the articles do not distort from heat, comprising the following ingredients and ratios, about 31/4 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 8 oz. of nickel chloride, about 1.9 ounces of sodium citrate, about 1.3 ounces of ammonium chloride, about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to bring the pH of the solution to about 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to about 1 gallon.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
138 words
An electroless nickel process for plating a nickel coating to ABS plastic articles which have a non-conductive surface comprising the steps of etching, sensitizing, and activating the surface of said articles; immersing said articles in an electroless nickel bath including the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter; maintaining the bath at a temperature below the deformation temperature of the plastic to be plated; allowing the articles to be plated to remain in the bath until plating to the desired thickness has been achieved; and removing the plated articles from the bath.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
138 words
An electroless nickel process for plating a nickel coating to ABS plastic articles which have a non-conductive surface comprising the steps of etching, sensitizing, and activating the surface of said articles; immersing said articles in an electroless nickel bath including the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter; maintaining the bath at a temperature below the deformation temperature of the plastic to be plated; allowing the articles to be plated to remain in the bath until plating to the desired thickness has been achieved; and removing the plated articles from the bath.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 28, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a room temperature of about 80° F the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000025 inch thick.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process of claim 28, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a temperature of about 120° F, the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000036 inch thick.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process of claim 28, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a temperature of about 140° F, the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000858 inch thick.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
133 words
An electroless nickel process for plating a nickel coating to ABS plastic articles which have a nonconductive surface comprising the steps of etching, sensitizing, and activating the surface of said articles; immersing said articles in an electroless nickel bath including the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 85.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter; maintaining the bath at a temperature below the deformation temperature of the plastic to be plated; allowing the articles to be plated to remain in the bath until plating to the desired thickness has been achieved; and removing the plated articles from the bath.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
133 words
An electroless nickel process for plating a nickel coating to ABS plastic articles which have a nonconductive surface comprising the steps of etching, sensitizing, and activating the surface of said articles; immersing said articles in an electroless nickel bath including the following approximate ingredients and ratios per liter of solution, 85.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter; maintaining the bath at a temperature below the deformation temperature of the plastic to be plated; allowing the articles to be plated to remain in the bath until plating to the desired thickness has been achieved; and removing the plated articles from the bath.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 32, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a room temperature of about 80° F the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000025 inch thick.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process of claim 32, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a temperature of about 120° F, the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000036 inch thick.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process of claim 32, wherein the temperature of the bath is maintained at a temperature of about 140° F, the articles remain immersed in the bath for about 5 minutes, and the nickel coating deposited on the articles is about 0.000858 inch thick.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution of 1 liter.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 25.0 gr. of nickel sulphate, 60.0 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution of 1 liter.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 84.375 gr. of nickel chloride, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 85.375 gr. of nickel sulphate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles comprising treating the articles with a solution of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said solution including the following ingredients per liter of solution, 85.375 gr. of nickel sulphate, 144.0 gr. of sodium citrate, 101.25 gr. of ammonium chloride, 90.0 gr. of sodium hypophosphite, sufficient ammonium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 8.5, and sufficient water to bring the solution to 1 liter.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel sulphate, nickel chloride, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath including for each gallon of bath about 3/4 gallon of water, about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, said stabilizing agent comprising about 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate and about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, said reducing agent comprising about 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, the pH of the mixture being about 8.5, the ratio by weight of nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7, and the temperature of the bath being in the range of 70° to 155° F.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel sulphate, nickel chloride, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath including for each gallon of bath about 3/4 gallon of water, about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, said stabilizing agent comprising about 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate and about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, said reducing agent comprising about 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, the pH of the mixture being about 8.5, the ratio by weight of nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7, and the temperature of the bath being in the range of 70° to 155° F.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel sulphate, nickel chloride, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath including for each gallon of bath, about 3/4 gallon of water, about 320 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 31/4 ounces of the nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of the nickel chloride, said stabilizing agent comprising about 191/4 ounces of sodium citrate and about 131/2 ounces of ammonium chloride, and said reducing agent comprising about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, the pH of the mixture being about 8.5, the ratio by weight to nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7, and the temperature of the bath being in the range of 70° to 85° F.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel sulphate, nickel chloride, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, the bath including for each gallon of bath, about 3/4 gallon of water, about 320 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 31/4 ounces of the nickel sulphate, about 8 ounces of the nickel chloride, said stabilizing agent comprising about 191/4 ounces of sodium citrate and about 131/2 ounces of ammonium chloride, and said reducing agent comprising about 12 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, the pH of the mixture being about 8.5, the ratio by weight to nickel ions to reducing agent anions being about 1 to 2.7, and the temperature of the bath being in the range of 70° to 85° F.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said bath including about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, about 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate, about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, and about 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said bath including about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate, about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, about 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate, about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, and about 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 41, including maintaining the temperature of the bath in the range of about 70° to 85° F.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said bath including nickel ions equivalent to that contributed by about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate and about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, hypophosphite ions in an amount equivalent to that contributed by 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, said stabilizing agent being equivalent to 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate and about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, sufficient ammonium ions to make the bathh alkaline equivalent to that contributed by about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, and sufficient water to place the other ingredients into solution.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of applying a nickel coating to plastic articles without heat distortion comprising treating the articles with a bath of water, nickel ions, a reducing agent for reducing the nickel ions to a metal, and a stabilizing agent for controlling the operating speed of the reducing agent, and maintaining the temperature of the solution below about 155° F, said bath including nickel ions equivalent to that contributed by about 15/8 to 61/2 ounces of nickel sulphate and about 4 to 16 ounces of nickel chloride, hypophosphite ions in an amount equivalent to that contributed by 4 to 24 ounces of sodium hypophosphite, said stabilizing agent being equivalent to 95/8 to 381/2 ounces of sodium citrate and about 63/4 to 27 ounces of ammonium chloride, sufficient ammonium ions to make the bathh alkaline equivalent to that contributed by about 160 to 640 cc. of ammonium hydroxide, and sufficient water to place the other ingredients into solution.
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) | 1980-12-05 | 1981-06-06 | 1981-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-05 | 1985-06-06 | 1985-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-05 | 1989-06-06 | 1989-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |