US5340456A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anode basket
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-03-26
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Granted: 1994-08-23
•
Expires: 2013-03-26
Abstract
Abstract An anode basket for use in electroplating operations. The anode basket is formed of a pliant, shape-returning material which acts as a spring to ensure contact between the plating metal and the anode. The basket may be formed of a non-conductive plastic and the anode from corrosion-resistant conductive metal.
Inventors
- 👤 Vern A. Mehler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:53
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D17/00; C25D17/10; C25D17/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
In an apparatus for electroplating metal including a solution tank filled with electroplating solution, and an anode basket having an anode therein is suspended from said tank and submerged in said solution, the improvement wherein said anode includes a conductive corrosion resistant member housed inside said anode basket, means for connecting said member directly to an electric power source, a conductive grid housed in said anode basket and in direct contact with said anode and submerged in said solution, means for connecting said member to said grid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an apparatus for electroplating metal including a solution tank filled with electroplating solution, and an anode basket having an anode therein is suspended from said tank and submerged in said solution, the improvement wherein said anode includes a conductive corrosion resistant member housed inside said anode basket, means for connecting said member directly to an electric power source, a conductive grid housed in said anode basket and in direct contact with said anode and submerged in said solution, means for connecting said member to said grid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anode basket is formed of an electrically non-conductive plastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 2 wherein said plastic material is polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus of claim 2 wherein said anode includes an electrically conductive corrosion-resistant rod housed in said anode basket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus of claim 4 wherein said grid is formed of corrosion resistant-metal fixedly connected to said rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 4 and insulated wire means connected to said rod for establishing electrical continuity between the rod and a power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus of claim 6 wherein said wire means is connected to said rod at a point submerged in said plating solution.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus of claim 7 and hanger means for supporting said basket in said solution.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anode basket includes first and second ends, means carried at said first end for defining an opening through which plating metal is inserted into said basket, means for closing said second end to prevent escape of said plating metal from said basket.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus of claim 9 wherein said basket is generally cylindrical and tapers gradually from said open first end to said closed second end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus of claim 7 wherein said anode basket is formed of pliant shape-returning material, which urges said plating metal into continuous direct electrical contact with said grid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anode basket is formed of pliant shape-retaining material which urges plating metal into continuous direct electrical contact with said grid when said plating metal is placed within said anode basket.
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) | 1997-08-22 | 1998-02-21 | 1998-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-22 | 2002-02-21 | 2002-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-22 | 2006-02-21 | 2006-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |