US4853099A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selective electroplating apparatus
Assignee: Sifco Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1988-03-28
•
Granted: 1989-08-01
•
Expires: 2008-03-28
Abstract
Abstract An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, which apparatus comprises an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with the selected surface of the workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least about 0.050 inches, means for supporting this anode in a fixed position to define the elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through the gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in the gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between the selected workpiece surface and the active surface of the anode through the gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 . The invention also involves the method of using this apparatus to rapidly deposit metal, such as nickel, onto the inner cylindrical surface of a bore on a complex part such as an aircraft landing gear forging.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary W. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:03
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D7/00; C25D7/04; C25D5/00; C25D5/02; C25D5/026; C25D5/08; C25D5/67
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at an ultra high velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 200 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 .
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at an ultra high velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 200 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 .
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said selected surface is an internal cylindrical surface and said gap is generally annular in cross section with first and second transverse ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 2 further including a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
248 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means, and said first end cap being located at the inlet end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet, and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
248 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means, and said first end cap being located at the inlet end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet, and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means includes means for directing said several axial streams in a spiral pattern axially through said gap.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said nozzle means includes means for creating said several streams circumferentially spaced around said gap.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said second end cap is on the discharge end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said solution outlet of said second end cap has a volume capacity between at least equal to the volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap and no greater than about twice said volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said nozzle means includes means for creating said several streams circumferentially spaced around said gap.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said second end cap is on the discharge end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said solution outlet of said second end cap has a volume capacity between at least equal to the volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap and no greater than about twice said volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
261 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute, said closed path extending in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; and a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means, said first end cap being on the inlet end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet, and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
261 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute, said closed path extending in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; and a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means, said first end cap being on the inlet end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet, and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said nozzle means includes means for directing said several axial streams in a spiral pattern axially through said gap.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said nozzle means includes means for creating said several streams circumferentially spaced around said gap.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said second end cap is on the discharge end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said solution outlet of said second end cap has a volume capacity between at least equal to the volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap and no greater than about twice said volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
233 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means; and said second end cap being on the discharge end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber, and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
233 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: an anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; said selected surface being an internal cylindrical surface and said gap being generally annular in cross-section with first and second transverse ends; means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap in a generally closed path at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said anode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means; and said second end cap being on the discharge end of said gap and including passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber, and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein said solution outlet of said second end cap has a volume capacity between at least equal to the volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap and no greater than about twice said volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
154 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: a non-consumable anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap, means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; and said anode comprising a non-anodic base metal and an outer anodic coating and said selective shape being created by removing said outer coating from said anode base metal except in said selected shape.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
154 words
An electroplating apparatus for rapidly depositing a metal onto a selected surface of a workpiece, said apparatus comprising: a non-consumable anode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap, means for supporting said anode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; means for forcing an electroplating solution with metal cations through said gap at a velocity to exchange electroplating solution in said gap at a rate of at least 25 times per minute; means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said anode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 ; and said anode comprising a non-anodic base metal and an outer anodic coating and said selective shape being created by removing said outer coating from said anode base metal except in said selected shape.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said coating is platinum.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said base metal is titanium.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for rapidly exchanging metal between a selected surface of a workpiece and an electrode, said apparatus comprising: an electrode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; means for supporting said electrode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electrolyte solution through said gap in a generally closed path at an ultra high velocity to exchange solution in said gap at a rate of at least 200 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said electrode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 .
Claim 31
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for rapidly exchanging metal between a selected surface of a workpiece and an electrode, said apparatus comprising: an electrode having an active surface with a selected shape to combine with said selected surface of said workpiece to define an elongated gap of at least 0.050 inches; means for supporting said electrode in a fixed position to define said elongated gap; solution circulating means for forcing an electrolyte solution through said gap in a generally closed path at an ultra high velocity to exchange solution in said gap at a rate of at least 200 times per minute; and, means for applying current flow between said selected workpiece surface and the active surface of said electrode through said gap at a current density in excess of 2.0 amperes/in 2 .
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said selected surface is an internal cylindrical surface and said gap is generally annular in cross section with first and second transverse ends.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 26 further including a first end cap over said first end of said gap and a second end cap over said second end of said gap, said end caps comprising said electrode support means and including passageways comprising a portion of said closed path for said solution circulating means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 28 wherein said first end cap is on the inlet end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein said first end cap is at the inlet end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution inlet, a plenum chamber communicated with said solution inlet and nozzle means for directing several axially extending streams of said solution from said plenum chamber into said gap.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 30 wherein said nozzle means includes means for directing said several axial streams in a spiral pattern axially through said gap.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein said nozzle means includes means for creating said several streams circumferentially spaced around said gap.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 30 wherein said nozzle means includes means for creating said several streams circumferentially spaced around said gap.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein said second end cap is on the discharge end of said gap and includes passageways comprising a plating solution outlet, a gas collecting plenum chamber and an inlet opening communicated with said gap.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 35 wherein said solution outlet of said second end cap has a volume capacity between at least equal to the volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap and no greater than about twice said volume capacity of the solution inlet of said first end cap.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said closed path is in a generally vertical upward direction when in said gap.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US891361A
Cited
US1349999A
Cited
US2406956A
Cited
US2431948A
Cited
US2431949A
Cited
US2706175A
Cited
US2743229A
Cited
US2929769A
Cited
US3022232A
Cited
US3065153A
Cited
US3249520A
Cited
US3276978A
Cited
US3499830A
Cited
US3649477A
Cited
US4096042A
Cited
US3751344A
Cited
US3616288A
Cited
US3645881A
Cited
US3673073A
Cited
US3751346A
Cited
US3840440A
Cited
US3804725A
Cited
US3891515A
Cited
US3956096A
Cited
US3891534A
Cited
US3922208A
Cited
US4028198A
Cited
US3974042A
Cited
US3909368A
Cited
US3929592A
Cited
US4019969A
Cited
US4210497A
Cited
US4227986A
Cited
US4104133A
Cited
US4111761A
Cited
US4125447A
Cited
US4246088A
Cited
US4274925A
Cited
US4253917A
Cited
US4294670A
Cited
US4345977A
Cited
US4279706A
Cited
US4441966A
Cited
US4441976A
Cited
US4543172A
Cited
US4430167A
Cited
US4425197A
Cited
US4427498A
Cited
US4384926A
Cited
US4473445A
Cited
US4624750A
Cited
US4555321A
Cited
US4687562A
Cited
US4690747A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |