US4401541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for electroplating a strip of metal of relatively low electric conductivity
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-05-25
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Granted: 1983-08-30
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Expires: 2002-05-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is proposed for electroplating a strip of metal of a relatively low electric conductivity, which can be applied, for example, for a stainless steel strip with gold. Said apparatus comprises anode means, masking device and cathode means, said cathode means comprising a plurality of contact elements which are disposed in said masking device. Thereby, said steel is electroplated on one side partially along its length, in spite of the high electric resistance.
Inventors
- 👤 Masami Kobayashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 05:21
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D5/00; C25D5/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S204/00; Y10S204/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
An apparatus for electroplating a strip of metal of a relatively low electric conductivity, said strip being passed continuously through said apparatus and dipped in an electroplating solution so that it is partially electroplated at a predetermined width on one side along its length, said apparatus comprising: anode means being adapted for electrically connecting said solution to a positive pole of an electric source; means for masking said strip from said solution while allowing a part of said strip on said one side to contact said solution corresponding to the width to be electroplated; and cathode means adapted to electrically connect said strip to a negative pole of the electric source, said cathode means comprising a plurality of contact elements which are disposed inside said masking means, each of said contact elements being arranged to contact said strip on the side which is not to be electroplated at positions opposite those where said solution contacts said strip and being connected to the electric source.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
164 words
An apparatus for electroplating a strip of metal of a relatively low electric conductivity, said strip being passed continuously through said apparatus and dipped in an electroplating solution so that it is partially electroplated at a predetermined width on one side along its length, said apparatus comprising: anode means being adapted for electrically connecting said solution to a positive pole of an electric source; means for masking said strip from said solution while allowing a part of said strip on said one side to contact said solution corresponding to the width to be electroplated; and cathode means adapted to electrically connect said strip to a negative pole of the electric source, said cathode means comprising a plurality of contact elements which are disposed inside said masking means, each of said contact elements being arranged to contact said strip on the side which is not to be electroplated at positions opposite those where said solution contacts said strip and being connected to the electric source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said masking means comprises first and second masking elements between which said strip is passed, said first element having a slit or a plurality of slits to allow said strip to contact said solution, said second element having holes to accommodate said contact elements, the upper end of said second element projecting from the top surface of said solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said slit or slits extend parallel to the axis of said strip with the width corresponding to that to be electroplated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said elements is formed with a plurality of layers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said layers are formed with an inner soft material, an intermediate thin plastic material and an outer plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said three layers are bonded to each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said contact elements are urged to said strip on said opposite side resiliently.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said contact elements comprise coil springs inserted in said holes which are arranged side by side along a path of said strip, and said coil springs are fixedly connected to a common plate of a high electric conductivity which is inserted in a cavity formed in said second element, such that said common plate may not touch said solution, with said common plate being connected to said negative pole.
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) | 1986-08-29 | 1987-02-28 | 1987-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-29 | 1991-02-28 | 1991-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-29 | 1995-02-28 | 1995-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |