US2342688A

US2342688A - Electrolytic sheet treating

Info

Publication number: US2342688A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1944-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1961-02-28

Description

Feb. 29,` 1944. H, PAYNTER 2,342,688,

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FV. ATTO NEY Feb. 29, 1944.

H. J. PAYNTER 2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 [O7 Y INV lln BYS ATTO NEY Feb.29,1944. H. J. @AYNTER 2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATINGAPPARATUS Feb. 29, 1944. H. .1. PAYNTER 2,342,688

ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 H. J. PAYNTER ELECTROLYTIC SHEET TREAIING PPARATUS Feb. 29, 1944.

INV NToR 0. M4# ATT@ NEY Patented Feb. 29, 1944 APPARATU Horace J. Paynter, Union, N. J., assigner to American Can Company, New York, N. Y. a corporation of New Jersey Application February 17, 1940, Serial No. 319,528

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating sheet material and has particular reference to an apparatus for electrolytcally treating the sheet primarily by oxidizing a surface in an anodizing step and provision is also made at times for a precleaning treatment in the same apparatus which may take the form of cathodizing cleaning,` or may be a combination of anodizing and cathodizing cleaning.

Sheet material. as for example, tin plate, when used in the manufacture of the ordinary tin can, quite frequently has been found to vary in its surface conditions so that when made up into cans, difilculties are often experienced in chemical reaction between the can Wall and the con# tents of the can. One such dimculty appears in the canning of products containing sulphur, the chemical reaction resulting in the formation of dark metal sulphides on the interior can walls which appear as stained and dark colored areas. In other cases rust appears on the inner can wall and often, even when the can walls have been coated or lined Withlacquer or other protective coating, such lining over a period of time undergoes decomposition as a result of the chemical reaction between the metal can wall and the product.

Sheets heretofore have been anodically treated as an incident to being made into cans and While a proper anodic treatment does prevent the chemical reactions recited above, or at least does greatly reduce such reaction, considerable diiiiculty has been experienced with the step of soldering together the treated surfaces. In fact it has been found almost impossible to properly solder an anodized blank without a further treatment of the solder areas. This has been a serious drawback to the anodizing of sheet material for the manufacture of cans.

This difficulty has been overcome in vthe apparatus of the present invention by shielding all of the solder areas lof the sheet, while it is undergoing treatment, in a simple and rapid manner and as a continuous operation. In the same machine the sheet can also be cleaned prior to its anodic treatment and the surface of the sheet which is undergoing oxidization or cleaning is presented to the direct action of the electrolyte while other parts of the sheet are fully protected.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a sheet treating machine having a sheet holder on which the sheet is clamped and held for the treatment in such a manner as to present the surface to be treated directly to the action of an electrolyte which is caused constantly to circulate during treatment and thus provide the medium through which flows an electrical treating current whose circuit includes the sheet.

Another object of theA invention is the provision of a sheet treating apparatus wherein the sheet is clamped upon a holder with certain areas matted or blocked olf in a manner to present the unblocked areas to the action of an electrolyte .while the sheet is connected in an electrical treating circuit. the current which flows through the circuit utilizing the electrolyte as a treating medium.

A further object is the provision of a sheet treating apparatus for continuously receiving successive sheets as they are fed into the machine and for holding each sheet with certain surfaces protected, while circulating an electrolyte in contact with exposed or unprotected surface areas, each sheet .after treatment being discharged Without interruption of a steady flow of the sheets.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the character described which has a sheet holder and clamping means for tightly holding the sheet so that one surface` forms the side of an enclosed space or pocket and a part of the holder forms the other side, the sheet constituting one pole in an electrical treating circuit in which the holder constitutes the opposite pole, the space or pocket being filled with an electrolyte which completes the treating circuit, control of the flow of the treating current anodically oxidizing the sheets surface which is exposed to the electrolyte, or cleaning such surface by cathodic action.

Yet another object is the provision of a rotatable wheel holder in a treatin-g apparatus of this nature, on the periphery of which sheets undergoing treatment are held tightly clamped by a belt passed over the wheel, each sheet so held being directly associated with an individual treating pocket or chamber formed on the wheel by means of which each sheet is electrically treated by the treating medium confined in its pocket.

Still a further object is the provision of such a treating apparatus for sheets having a wheel structure for holding the sheet during treatment which exposes a surface of the sheet to an anodic or to a cathodic action, the sheet constituting one pole of the circuit and the holder constituting the other pole, the sheet being spaced fromgthe active surface -of the holder so that the now of electrical current for such treatment passes through an electrolyte which occupies the space between the pole pieces, the gas which is evolved in the resulting electrolysis being drawn of! as it forms so that a more uniform surface treatment is obtained.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus of the character described having a revolving wheel holder to which sheets are fed continuously, the sheets being automatically clamped onto the periphery of the wheel by a belt which passes into engagement with .the wheel at such time, the clamping of the sheet onto the wheel closing over and forming an electrolyte pocket or chamber into which the electrolyte is then introduced and caused to circulate so that the surface of the sheet which is presented to the pocket interior is contacted by the electrolyte uniformly on its exposed area, the sheet forming one side of the electrical treating circuit while a wheel part forms the other side but sheet and wheel are insulated against current conduction except through the electrolyte, the direction of now of the current determining whether there is anodic or cathodic treatment, the apparatus also having devices for controlling the flow of the electrolyte and the direction and timing of the treating current, the electrolyte being drawn oif from the pocket upon completion of the treatment and prior to the belt leaving the surfacey of the wheel as the treated sheet is removed.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sheet treating apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 isal transverse section drawn to an enlarged scale and partly broken away of the wheel holder of the apparatus of Fig. 1 being a view taken substantially along the section line 22 of such ngure;

Fig. 3 is a sectional detail of certain of the wheel holder parts as viewed along the section line 3-3 in Fig. 2 and on a slightly enlarged scale;

Fig. 4 isA a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 3 as viewed from the outer or convex side of the holder, certain of these parts being broken away to better disclose other constructions therebeneath;

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged sectional details taken substantially along the respective section lines 5-5 and 8 6 in F18. 4:

Fig. 7 is a sectional fragment taken along the line 1-1 in Fig. 2;

as could be effected in the apparatus of the present invention.

Referring rst to Fig. 1, sheets a such as tin plate which are to be treated in the apparatus, are placed in any suitablermanner on a continuously moving feeding chaindevice broadly designated by the letter A. 'I'his feeding device advances the sheet toward a rotating wheel holder B on which the sheet is carried through a circular path during treatment.

The wheel holder B is shown in the drawings as of dual construction and constitutes two wheels. On the periphery of each wheel there is provided a series of frame elements D arranged one adjacent the other and each element is so shaped as to accommodate a single sheet a. Such a frame provides a support for the individual sheet and holds it substantially uniformly curvedv on the periphery of the wheel holder B.

An endless belt E, which is wider than the sheets being treated, passes over each of the wheel holders, there being two such belts for the apparatus shown in the drawings. Each belt E lies down against the sheets on the frames and thus acts as a clamping device for holding the sheets on the wheels. Each belt is in contact with its associated wheel for substantially 335 and then passes back over suitable pulleys and then around to position where it again engages the wheel holder.

The intervening section where the belt is not on the wheel holders is located adjacenty the discharge end of the feeding device A and this permits the placing of each sheet onto its holder as Vit leaves the feeding device. Upon coming into proper position relative to its frame D the sheet is engaged by the belt E and is then carried around by the rotating wheel holder B. It is during such travel that it is subjected to the Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the wheel holder parts of the apparatus showing certain wiring connections, the point of view being indicated in Fig. 2 by the broken line 8-8, this latter figure being drawn to a greater scale thanvis Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a fragment elevation of such wiring connections, the curved and broken line 9 9 in Fig. 8 suggesting how Fig. 9 is to be viewed;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse ,section of the central part of the wheel holder of Fig. 2, said view being taken substantially along the section line Ill-III in Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is an end elevation of the apparatus as it would appear when viewed from a plane having the trace lines lI-Il as indicated in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 12 is a face View of a fragment of a sheet showing by stippling a surface treatment such desired operations of treatment.

A sheet carried by its holder B, after undergoing the various steps of treatment, thus approaches the position where the clamping belt E passes back and away from the wheel holder. At the time it is released by the belt it comes into the influence of a sheet discharge device F (Fig. 1). This discharge device thereupon operates to remove the treated sheet a from the wheel holder and to discharge it from the apparatus.

As lbest illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 each frame element D of the wheel holder B constitutes the inner side of a treating chamber or pocket G when a sheet a is being held in place on the frame by the belt E. The sheet forms the outer `wall.of the pocket at such a time, the inner surface of the sheet being spaced a slight distance away from the outer frame wall.

The treating chamber G so formed provides an arcuate space through which an electrolyte may be circulated to effect the treatment desired. Suitable parts of a circulatingv system, lbroadly referred to by the letter H, are employed and these parts may include pipes, pump, etc., as best shown in Fig. 1. These will be further described and in some detail as the description proceeds.

'I 'he feeding device A for each of the wheel holders preferably comprises one or more endless chains 2| (Fig. 1) which take over suitable sprockets 22 mounted on a horizontal shaft 23 journaled in two or more brackets 24 carried on uprights 25 of a main support frame. Such a frame also includes horizontal beams 26 and tie frame parts 2l, foot or pier sections 28 at the base of each upright frame resting on the floor v for support. The feed chains 2l also operate over sprockets 3| carried on a horizontal shaft I2.`

Shaft 32 may be rotated in a suitable manner and thus constitute a drive shaft for the feeding device A.

A sub-frame 33 may be provided for supporting the drive shaft and other shafts. For example,

feeding rollers 34 may bemounted on a horizontal shaft 35, carried in the sub-frame for properly directing the sheets as released by the feeding device A so that they will be correctly located in the frame elements D of the wheel holders B.

The wheel holder B, as previously mentioned,

includes a double wheel construction. As best Each rotating wheel holder B is mounted on ,v

its end of the sleeve 4| where the latter projects beyond its bracket support 43. Each holder consists of a cylindrical drum 5I (Figs.2 and 10) which at its center is formed with a .bearinghub 52 the inner bore of which carries a bushing 53. Such a bushing turns directly on the supporting sleeve 4 I.

The outer peripheral wall, marked 54, of the drum 5l carries the wheel proper which is formedwith an inner hub 55 and an outer rim v56 (Figs. 2 and 3). Rim and hub are connected all as an integral unit by a pair of parallel disc walls 51, which are tied together by radially disposed intermediate plates 58. Angular webs 59, which are prolongations of the plates 58, extend out from the outer disc wall 51 and merge into the rim |56 thus permitting considerable overhang for the rim wall. This provides for a width of wheel at its periphery or rim that is in excess of any width of sheet to be run through the apparatus.

The peripheral surface of the rim wall 56 of each wheel holder B is depressed at regular intervals to provide for the adjacent frame elements D. This is best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The edge of one frame element cornes very close to the adjacent edge of the adjoining frame element and this construction leaves the inner and outer edges of the rim wall and the connecting transverse sections between the adjacent frame elements as a flush cylindrical surface 60 (see also Fig. 5) against which the belt E presses during its engagement with the wheel holder. This flush surface keeps the belt into a true cylindrical form where it passes over the wheel and insures a better holding action for the sheets a during treatment.

Examining more in detail the individual trame element D, it will be observed by reference to Figs. 4 and 5 that the entire frame is set in a substantially square countersink cut into the outer or peripheral surface 56 of the wheel. The particular shape will, of course depend on the shape of the sheet being treated. An insulating member 6i is disposed to cover the entire bottom of each countersink. Such an insulating member may be a sheet of rubber, cork or the like and is used to cover over and to electrically insulate the frame element D yfrom the wheel holder metallic frame at that place.

A sheet of copper or other good electrical conductor62 is mounted on top of the rubber sheet 6l. It has been found satisfactory to vulcanize these parts 6I, 62 together. The purpose of this will be fully described later.

The particular layout of can body blanks, for example, to be obtained'from a sheet a to be treated, will determine what part of the surface area is to be blocked off or protected against treatment. In the drawings, there is showri a matting of all of the edges of the sheet and also a'median section which is likewise covered. For this purpose matting strips 63 (Figs. 4 and 5) are used. Such strips are preferably of rubber.

Strips 63 rest directly on the copper sheet 62 and are of a size normally to extend up substantially ushwith the surface 60 of the wheel. It is on these strips 63 that a sheet a is clamped by the belt E after coming into proper position on the wheel. When so clamped the matting strips yield sufficiently to permit the upper surface of the sheet, which is engaged by the belt to come down flush with the wheel surface 60, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

In coming into this position the sheet al comes into close surface contact with a copper contact plate 65 (Figs. 4 and 6) which extends over one of the side matting strips 63. This contact plate 65 is connected directly to a wire 66 which extends down through the wheel rim 56, being properly insulated therefrom. Thence it passes through a conduit pipe s1 which is radiany disposed on the wheel and which is secured to the inner disc wall 51. This conduit pipe adjacent the center of the wheel is bent at right angles (Fig. 2) and passes outwardly through the drum 5I to a place where the wire 66 is connected to an electrical brush 66 carried in a ring 69 xed to the drum 5I.

Each copper sheet 62 contacts directly with a copper contact plate 1I (Figs. 4 and 5) which extends under one of the side matting strips 63 preferably not far from the contact plate 65. Plate 1l is connected directly to a wire 12 which also extends down through the wheel rim and through the same conduit pipe 61 alongside of the wire 66. The inner end of the wire 12 (Fig. 2) is connected to an electrical brush 13 also carried in the ring 69. The wires 66, 12 are kept at different polarity and are included in the treating circuit which will be fully described hereinafter.

Referring again to the countersunk construction of each individual frame element D (Figs. 2, 3 and 4), it will be observed that for a relatively narrow width at the center of the countersink and extending along its peripheral dimension, that a further countersunk pocket 15 is formed in the rim part 56 of the wheel. A grid section 16 is provided as a support forthe rubber insulating sheet 6| in this central section, the grid being formed as an integral part of the wheel and having an oblongspace or chamber 11 therebeneath.

Arcuate slots 18 are cut through both rubber and copper sheets 6I, 62 (Figs. 3 and 4) so that the pocket 11 is in constant communication with the treating chamber G which it will be recalled is contained in the frame element D between the copper'sheet 62 on the inside and the tinplate sheet which is held by the belt E on the outside.

The `arcuate slots 18 are cut through the copper sheet 62 and the .rubber sheet 6l at a position near the base of the matting strips 63. Obviously different sheets 6i, 62 must `be used for different patterns of the protected areas of the sheet as determined by the matting strips 63. In other words the slots 18 will-be in different positions for different patterns.- The grid section 16 allows forthis diiferent location of slots 18, which will always come over some of the holes in the grid and thus give free communication between the space 11 and the treating chamber G. At the same time the rubber sheet 8| will be fully supported'in its central region.

The pocket space 11 connects with the outer open end of a radially disposed pipe 18 (Figs. 2 and 3) which is threaded in the rim part 56. The inner end of each pipe 18 (Figs. 2 and 10) is threaded into a collar 8| which is set in an annular boss 82 formed on the outside of the outer disc wall of the drum This collar forms the outer rotatable part of a valve unit which is provided so that treating liquid may be introduced into certain of the pipes 18 and may be cut oil.' from certain other pipes. For this purpose,

therefore, the inside of the collar 8| Ais beveled or inclined at 83 in a moreeiiective tight joint for the valve parts.

An inner stationary cylindrical block 85 constitutes the other part of the valve. This block on its inner face is also formed with an inclined or beveled surfacev 88 on which the valve surface I3 slides in a close ilt as the wheel B rotates.

These surfaces are held together under spring tension, the block 85 being bored at 81 (see also Fig. 8) on its outer face to accommodate expension coil springs 88. An L -sectioned collar 88 (Fig. 2) is mounted on a shouldered end of the stationary sleeve 4| and is securely held inl place by a locknut 8| threaded on the end ofthe sleeve. This collar acts as a thrust bearing for the hub l2 of therotating wheel B.

A feather 82 carried in the collar 88 cooperstes with a featherway 83 cut in the block` 85. This construction allows for suilicient floating action between the valve members to make the pressure of the springs 88 effective. At the same time. the valve block 85 is held against rotation, the lbeveled surfaces 88. 85 thus turning relative rotatable liquidto each other and maintaining the desired valve i action.

As best illustrated in-Figs. 2 and 10, an annular groove 85 is cutin the incline face 88 of the block 85.y This groove extends through approximately` 315fdegrees.` It is located in the incline face` 88-(seefalso Fig. 10) in such position as to be aligned, at some time during the revolution of the wheel B, with a bore 86 cut in the inclined face 83 of the=coliar 8| which is at the end of each pipe 18; Therefore, all of the bores 86 which are in communication with the supply groove 85 at any. particular time, provide connecting passageways between the ysupply groove and the treating chamber G at the end of the associated pipe 18.

Obviously where the groove 85 does not extend across the end lof a pipe 18, that is where the parts Just described being duplicated at the two I ends of the sleeve,

A supply pipe |0| (Figs. 1 and 2) is joined into the pipe 88 at its center and extends out through suitable openings at the top which are cut through the sleeve 4| and through the tubular bracket part 48. These pipes 88, |0| are part of thev circulating system H and as is best shown in Fig. 1 connect into the discharge side of a. liquid pump |02. The intake side of the pump is connected by a pipe |03 to a T-pipe section |04 (see also Figs. 2 and l1). Into this fitting two pipes |05 are connected, one for each side oi' the machine. The outer end of each pipe |08 is bent down as at |08 where it enters into a drainage pan or sump |01 which is located under each wheel B.

The pump |02 forces the treating liquid through the pipe |0| where it divides and passes to the right and to the left, through the pipes 88 and chambers G by way of the pipes 18. Here the anodic or cathodlc action takes place on the exposed sheet surface depending upon whether sheet a is positive or negative. The-copper sheet 82 is always of opposite polarity. Such polarity is changed automatically as the wheel holders B rotate and this will be further discussed later.

The treating liquid enters the chamber 11 from the pipe 18 and passes up through the grid section 16, thence out through the slots 18 (Figs. 3 and 4) into the treating chamber G. As the liquid, which constitutes the electrolyte, strikes the surface of the sheet a being treated, gas is liberated in the form of bubbles and it is desirable not only that the gas bubbles be withdrawn from the sheet surface as rapidly as possible, but

that the electrolyte be circulated constantly thus insuring more uniformity in the treatment. This circulation of the electrolyte is an easy matter by reason of the pump `|02 and the other means embodied in the circulating system H now beingy considered.

Each frame element D is constructed so that a drainage trough surrounds the boundary matting-strips 83 (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). The matting strips block oil any direct communication between the chambers G and their surrounding troughs but a number of holes ||2 are out through the side strips 53. The electrolyte as it continues to be pumped into the chamber G, constantly escapes into the surrounding trough |l| by way of the holes ||2.

It will be observed (Fig. 4) that the holes ||2, which extend through the side marginal matting strips 53, are located close to the ytransverse strips. In the pattern shown in this figure there are two such holes on each side adjacent and groove doesnot align with the associated bore 88, the corresponding chamber G is blocked oil.

as to that particular part of the valve unit. In this manner a liquid electrolyte is supplied to twelve chambers G, for example, while two chambers may be blocked ofi'. This is the reason why the groove 85 extends through about 315 degrees.

The groove 85v is in constant communication with a passageway 81 (Figs. 2 and 10) which extends inwardly from the outer face of the block 85. The vouter end of passageway 81 connects with the interior of a flexible hose 88 which is held at one end by a suitable nipple threaded into the end of the passageway and connects at the other end with a pipe 88 which extends longitudinally and in the center of the stationary sleeve 4|. This pipe supplies both wheels B, the valve just inside of the transverse end strips 63 and also two holes on each side of the median strip 63. Since there are diierent matting strips for each pattern, there will be different locations for the holes ||2 but such holes are always near thetransverse strips.

Since the bubbles evolved during the electrolysis or sheet treating action are at the top of the body of liquid within the chamber G some of the holes ||2 will be near the top regardless of the position of the chamber at any particular time and such gas bubbles will be drawn on together with the liquid passing through the same and also through the other holes |I2. Such gas and liquid will be ldischarged into the troughs A constant circulation of the electrolyte through the chamber G is thus maintained as long as liquid enters the pipe 18 through the valve groove 85.

lected and returned to the sump |01 on that side of the machine. i

A circular trough ||3 of U-shape is located under the edge of each ange ||5 and is held in place at the top by straps ||1 which extendl .down from and are fastened to the frame beams 23. Each trough ||3 is also secured by strap irons ||3 (see also Fig. 1) to a gear casing ||9 formed as an integral part of the bracket frame 43. There are two of these gear casings. As shown in Fig. 1, each trough 'member ||6 is semi-circular and is under the upper half of its associated wheel B as the latter rotates.

Any liquid flowing over the edge of the ange ||5 falls into the U-section of the trough ||3 and then flows down on one side or the other of the vertical center line of the wheel. The liquid flowing to the right (Fig. 1) upon reaching the lower edge of the trough drops 'off into a semicircular channel member which extends just outside of and below each wheel B. This channel member is secured at |2| to the upright at the top and rests on a strap |22 at the bottom. Strap |22 is in turn secured to one end of sump |01.

Channel |20 is also U-shaped in cross-section and at the bottom merges into a discharge chute |23 which opens out into and which is directly over the sump |01 on that side. It will be understood that there are two channels |20, one .for each wheel B. The channel -member |20 also extends above the discharge chute a slight distance to the left of the vertical center of the wheel B sothat liquid falling into the channel member from the left also drops into the sump |01.

An intermediate drain |24 (Figs. 1 and 2) is provided at the side of each wheel B and extends up to a position just above the lower end of the left slde'of drain trough ||3 (Fig. l) to which it is fastened and where itv catches the liquid draining from the trough. This intermediate drain at the bottom is secured to the channel member |20. Liquid received from the trough ||3 is carried by the drain |24 to the inside edge of its wheel B and thereupon passes through a chute |25 which in turn empties into the channer member |20 at the bottom.

By carrying the drain liquid to the inside edge of each wheel the space between the two ends of the contacting part of each belt E on its wheel B is left free for feeding the sheets ainto the l wheels by the sheet lfeeding device A and for removing the sheets from the wheels 4by the discharge device F.

Since the pump |02 keeps the electrolyte circulating into the treating chambers G, liquid continues to flow out. and back into the sump to be again drawn into the pump so long as there is a closed chamber G and so long as there is liquid in the chamber.

The two wheel holders B are rotated in unison by suitable connection with a unit drive shaft applied at the inside of the machine. A suitable connection is shown in Fig. 2 and reference should be had to this phase of the mechanism. Each drum 5| has the inner end of its hub 52 reduced where it extends inside of the gear casing 'H3 and a driven gear |23 is keyed on this reduced hub end of the drum.

At the bottom and extending acmss between the drums a shaft |21 is journaled in bearings |23 formed .in depending bracket parts of the bracket frame 43. This shaft carries two pinions |29, each one keyed to the end of the shaft and each meshing with its gear |23. Shaft |21 also carries a bevel gear |3| which is driven by a gear |32 carried on a drive shaft |33. Shaft |33 is journaled in suitable bearings formed in an extension |34 which is an integral part of the the bracket frame 43. In this manner the wheels B are rotated.

There is a belt E for each wheel holder B and the belts and the mountlngs will next be considered. Both endless belts are identical in size and mounting and are best shown in Figs. 1 and 1l. When each belt is engaged on its wheel holder it is of course supported thereby and a number of pulleys are used to carry the belts in their proper paths when not in engagement.

Each belt in first coming into contact with its wheel-B passes over a pulley |35. The two pul- -leys |35 of the two wheels B are mounted on a shaft |33 which is Journaled in suitable bearings |31 formed in the sub-traine 33. Pulleys |35 are located below and forward of the rollers 34 and into `such position as to properly receive a sheet a passing from roller 34. Idler rollers |33 may also be used at this position for both wheels and the two idler rollers are mounted on a shaft |4| journaled in bearings |42 formed in the frame After the two belts E have passed in under. around and over the wheels B. each belt leaves the wheel adjacent the sheet discharge device F. At this position it passes around a large pulley |43 and under an adjacent pulley |41. The two pulleys |43 are carried on a shaft |43 Journaled in brackets |43 supported on the upright frames 25. The two pulleys |41 are carried on a shaft |5| which is Journaled in brackets |52 supported on an auxiliary frame |53 secured to the uprights 25. Braces |54 are preferably used to further hold the frame |53.

ment. The two pulleys |14 are mounted on a shaft |15 Journaled in the sub-frame 88.

It has already been stated that in the embodiment of the invention as disclosed in the drawings provision is made for automatically changing the direction of now of the electric treating current in order to provide for anodic or cathodic treatment as desired. In other words, the polarity of the current eiective on the electrolyte ilowing into the chamber G is changed so that the sheet a may in the one case be made the anode and in the other case, the cathode. This shifting of the polarity of the current will now be considered.

I'he wires 88 and 12 o f each treating chamber G constitute the two sides of the treating circuit as to that chamber. Each wire 88, as previously mentioned, is connected to its individual electrical brush 88 and in like manner each wire 12 is connected to a similar individual brush 13.

VEach brush 88 is adapted to engage and rotate over a commutator ring which is mounted on the cylindrical block 88 and in like manner each inried on the cylindrical block 88 and when diil'erent kinds of treatment are desired in the cham- ',bers G. the units are split, i. e., are made up in ydiii'erent sections. Provision is made in the present machine for changing the electrical polarity eiIective atthe brushes 88, 13 when these brushes pass from one ring section to the adjacent ring section in its ring unit. As illustrated in Fig. 8, diiIerent ring sections are used to cause current to ilow through the electrolyte in aprecleaning step. In such cleaning there is ilrst a short anodic treatment of the sheet a followed by a cathodic treatment to complete the cleaning operation. Following this the sheet is anodized. Part of each commutator ring also has a dead or blank section where no current is conducted to the commutator brushes, this being when a treated sheet is being removed from the wheel and a new sheet is being brought into place for treatment.

Both commutator ring units |18 and 11 are mounted on an insulating ring |18 which is carried in the cylindrical block 88. Ring |18 has two parallel peripheral grooves |18 and |88 (see Fig. 9) for the` different sections which make up to substantially 180 degrees and one end of this latter strip is spaced from the end of strip |83 and its other end is spaced a slight distance from the blank strip section |8|. I'he sheet anodizing treatment uses this section.

The inner commutator ring unit- |11 also consists of four sections spaced from one another as to their end to end positions and all carried in the groove |88. The four section-s correspond in length and relative positions to the sections oi the commutator unit |18 so that the proper timing of the polarity changes in current for this side of the circuit will-be effected.

' 'I'he iirst of these ring sections of commutator unit |11 is a short strip |85 (Fig. 8) which is a blank section (no current) corresponding to blank section |8| of the'other commutator. A second strip section |88 is mounted in the inner groove |80 and is spaced from the end of the section |85 and corresponds in length to the commutator strip |82 in the outer groove. It cooperates with the section |82 in producing the anodizing cleaning step. A third commutator strip section |81 is next in position in the groove |88 the respective commutator units |18, 11. In

considering the various sections (four in number for the present treatment) of each commutator ring |18, |11, these will be taken in counterclockwise order as Viewed in Fig. 8.

First as to the outer ring unit |18 and beginning with the blank or no-current section of that ring. Sucha blank section comprises a curved strip |8| mounted in the groove |19. In the same groove, a second ring section |82 is spaced a slight distance from the .end of the strip |8I. Section |82 is the first oi' the current conducting sections and in the treatment of the sheet now being considered provides in part for an anodic cleaning step. In the same groove is a third curved commutator strip section |83 spaced from the end of section |82. This produces in part the cathodic cleaning step. Finally a iourth section |84 extends for a longitudinal distance equal being spaced from the end of the strip |88. It cooperates with section |88 in the cathodizing cleaning step. The fourth commutator section is a relatively long strip |88 which corresponds in length and relative position to the commutator strip |84 and works with that side of the circuit in the sheet anodizing treatment.

At certain spaces or breaksbetween the ends of the several strip sections of each commutator unit, connecting wires 8| (indicated in Figs. 8 and 9 by broken lines) join a strip section in the outer groove with an adjoining strip section in advance in the inner groove. By reason of such cross-over electrical connections between the segments of the two commutator strip units |18. |11 adjacent sections in each unit carry different polarity. There are no wire connections to the two ends of the two blank sections |8|, |88 but section |82 is joined with section |81 and section |88 is Joined with section |83. Again section |84 joins section |81 and section |88 joins section |88.

The effect lof thisv electrical wiring combination is to provide a positive current for an indi- Vidual brush 88 during a portion of the rotation of the wheel B at which time the opposite or negative current is carried on the associated brush 13. At such a time sheet a is positive so that the treatment is then an anodic treatment. As soon as the wheel has carried those two particular brushes 88, 12 over the ends of the two adjacent strip sections the current ilow is reversed and the sheet a being negative receives a cathodic treatment. Starting from the blank or no-current condition one complete revolution of the wheel B with the commutator sections described, the sheet a will be anodized and cathodized in a pre-cleaning step and will then be treated anodically. It will be understood that' one or more steps may be eliminated or added as desired merely by changing the number o! commutator sections.

The .feed Wires yfor bringing the treating current to the commutators are illustrated in Fig. 2 as wires |95, |86 which le'ad from any suitable source of electric current. These wires come into the machine at the center and are carried in a conduit pipe |91 which extends into the center of the hollow sleeve 4| and then branches in both directions passing to the ends of the sleeve where the wires |85, 98 on each wheel B are connected directly to the commutator strips |84,

Obviously, if only a single anodic treatment is desired the split sections of the two commutator strip units will be replaced by asingle rpair of unbroken strips. The length of the several strip sections determines the length of time the current flows for the treating operationl and considy erable leeway is therefore possible by merely changing the position and length of lcommutator strips. Obviously, the breaks that occur between the strips and which result in a changeof polarity can be positioned in any-desired place lin the electrical block 85 and this permits of` any desired timing for the treatmentof the sheets.

After a sheet has been properly treated the inner end of a pipe 19 associated with itsv treating chamber G, passes beyond the groove 95 (Fig. 10) in the liquid valve which supplies the electrolyte and thereupon the ow ofliquid into the chamber ceases. At the same time the liquid continues to drain out of the chamber and from the trough associated with the frame element D in which the sheet is disposed. By the time the sheethas reached the discharge pulley |46 most of this liquid has drained out of the chamber G and any remaining liquid immediately Yflows into the trough ||6 and thence, by way of the intermedi- I ate drains |24, back into the sump |01.

'Ihe sheet upon coming into the position where the belt E passes under and around the pulley |48 is stripped from its seat and -passes around with the belt. To insure this correct passage of the sheet with the belt, the pulley |46 may be magnetized so that the magnetic flux operating through the belt peels the sheet off of the wheel B and passes it around with the belt under the pulley |48. The pulley |41 may also be magnetized and this will stripthe sheet from the pulley |48. 1

To insure better delivery of the sheet as it passes through the discharge device an endless" belt |98 is preferably provided to pass over the pulley |41 and also over a pulley |99. It will be understood that there are two pulleys |48, |41 and therefore there will be two belts |98 and two pulleys 98. The two pulleys |99 are mounted on a shaft 20| Journaled in` brackets 202 carried on the frame part |53. A sheet a passing onto the belt |98 is discharged in this manner into a suitable place of deposit.

After a sheet a has been treated according to the various steps just described, that part of its surface (marked X in Fig. l2) which was blocked off by the mattingistrips 63 will be in its same original condition as before treatment.. That part of the surface (marked Y) which was ex- `posed to the electrolyte'in the different ytreatments is changed and is now an anodized surface capable of resisting. certain chemical i changes by contact with the can contents as fully 7 the surface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable wheel holder having a series of pockets formed at intervals in its peripheral face, means for rotating said holder, a clamping belt adapted for operation over a major part of the wheels periphery for holding a sheet on said holder and within a said pocket so that it is electrically connected in Van electrical treating circuit with the surface areas of the sheets which are tosbe ltreated exposed to the interior of its saidpocket, pulleys rotatably mounted adjacent said wheelv holder for guiding and supporting said' belt where it leaves and where it engages the periphery of the wheel, a minor part of the wheel holder periphery thus beingfleft unengaged, feeding devices located adjacent the exlposed peripheral part of said `wheel holder for positioning a sheet to be treated within a pocket' of the holder prior to the sheet beingclamped by said belt, means for bringing an electrolyte A into said pocket and into contact-with thev exposed area of said held sheet, and means for passing an electric treating current througn'jsaid electrolyte and throughthe sheet sol as to treat said exposed sheet area during the rotation oi said holder and prior to the sheet reaching the leaving position of the belt relative totl'ie holder.

2. In an apparatus for electrically treating the surface of sheet material, the combination of a wheel holder having a series'of pockets formed at intervals in its peripheral face," a clamping belt adapted for operation over 'a major part of the wheels periphery for holding a sheet on said holder and within a said pocket, pulleys rotatably mounted adjacent said wheelholder for guiding and supporting the belt where it leaves and where it engages the periphery of the wheel, a minor part of the wheel holder periphery being free of the belt, feeding devices located adjacent the exposed peripheral part of said wheel holder for positioning a sheet to be treated within a pocket of the holder so that it is easily clamped by said belt, discharge devices ralso located adiacent the exposed peripheral part Aof the holder for removing the treated sheet `from the holder when the belt has left its periphery, means for bringing an electrolyte into said pocket and into contact with the exposed area of said held sheet while the pocket is closed by the sheet. means for passing an electric,treating current through said electrolyte and through the sheet so as to treat said exposed sheet area during the passage ofthe sheet while held by the belt in said holder pocket, and means for controlling the actuation of said current means so that the treating circuit operates only so longas electrolyte is in' said pocket.

3. In an apparatus for 'cathodizing and anodizlng the surface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable wheel holder for the sheet to be treated, said holder having a plurality of peripheral chambers for receiving a liquid electrolyte, each of said chambers having a radially disposed conduit for conducting the electrolyte to said chamber, means for clamping the sheet on the periphery of said holder within a said chamber as a part of an electrical treatingcircuit including said holder and exposing predetermined surface areas only of the sheet which are to be treated, means for radially projecting said electrolyte under pressure through said conduits into said chambers into contact with said exposed sheet areas, and means for passing an electric treating current through said electrolyte,

first in one direction and then in the other to both cathodize and anodize the treated areas of the sheet.

4. In an apparatus for cathodizing and anodizing the surface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable Wheel holder for the sheet to be treated, said holder having a plurality of peripheral chambers for receiving a liquid electrolyte, each of said chambers having a radially disposed conduit for conducting the electrolyte to said chamber, means for rotating said holder, means for clamping the sheet on the periphery of said holder within a said chamber as a part of an electrical treating circuit including said holder and exposing predetermined surface areas only of the'sheet which are to be treated, means for radially projecting said electrolyte under pressure through said conduits into said chambers into contact with said exposed sheet areas. means for passing an electric treating current through said electrolyte and said sheet, rst in one direction and then in the other to both cathodize and anodize the treated areas of the sheet, and means controlled by the rotation of said holder for shutting off the flow of electric current to a sheet in a chamber having no electrolyte therein.

respectively 'within said chambers so that each sheet constitutes. part of an electrical treating circuit including said holder and exposing predetermined surface areas only of the sheets which areto be treated, means controlled by the rotation of said holder for radially projecting said electrolyte under pressure through said conduits into said chambers into contact with said exposed sheet areas, means for passing an electric treating current through said electrolyte, first with a said sheet as an anode and then as a cathode to preclean the exposed surface areas of the sheet, and means for again converting said current to thereafter anodically treat the sheet with the sheet as an anode in said circuit and while said electrolyte is maintained in contact therewith so as to anodically oxidize the treated sheet areas.

6. In an apparatus for precleaning and then anodically oxidizing the surface of sheet material, the combination of a rotatable wheel holder for the sheet to be treated, said holder having a plurality of spaced peripheral chambers for receiving a liquid electrolyte and a plurality of-radially disposed conduits for conducting the electrolyte to said chambers respectively, means for rotating said holder, means for clamping separate sheets on the periphery of said holder respectively within said chambers so that each sheet constitutes a partof an electrical treating circuit including said holder and exposing predetermined surface areas only of the sheets which are to be treated, means controlled by the rotation of said holder for radially projecting said electrolyte at predetermined intervals under pressure through said conduits into said chambers into contact with said exposed sheet areas, means for passing an electric treating current through said electrolyte, rst with a said sheet as an anode and then as a cathode to preclean the exposed surface areas of the sheet, means for again converting said current to thereafter anodically treat the sheet with the sheet as an anode in said circuit and while said electrolyte is maintained in contact therewith so as to anodically oxidize the treated sheet areas, and means operating in time with the rotation of said holder for shutting off the flow of electrolyte to said chambers when the sheets are being placed on and removed from said holder.

' '1. In an apparatus for treating sheet material,

the combination of a rotatable wheel holder having a plurality of spaced pockets formed in its periphery, each of said pockets constituting'a sheet treating chamber for holding a liquid electrolyte in contact with a predetermined surface area of said sheet, means for rotating said holder, a matting -device carried' in each of said chambers and arranged to expose a predetermined surface area of a said sheet in a definite pattern while covering the remaining surface area of the sheet, sheeteeding devices for placing a sheet to be treated on the periphery of the wheel in position on a said mating device so that its pattern is outlined on the inner surface of the sheet, an endless clamp belt engaging and operating over the periphery of said wheel holder for pressing against the outer surface of a said sheet to retain the sheet on the holder within a said chamber, means controlled by the rotation of said holder for introducing an electrolyte into a said chamber in contact with the parts of the inner surface of the sheet disposed inside of its pattern outline and exposed by said matting devices, and means for passing an electric current through said electrolyte and also through said sheet to electrically change the surface condition of the sheet.

8. In an apparatus for treating sheet material,

the combination of a rotatable wheel holder havl ing a plurality of spaced pockets formed in its periphery, each of said pockets constituting a sheet treating chamber Ifor holding a liquid electrolyte in contact with a predetermined surface area of said sheet, means for rotating said holder, a matting device carried in each of said chambers and arranged to expose a predetermined surface area of a said sheet in a definite pattern while covering the remaining surface area of the sheet, sheet feeding devices for placing a sheet to be treated on the periphery of the wheel in position on a said matting device so that its pattern is outlined on the inner surface of the sheet, an endless clamp belt engaging and operating over the periphery of said wheel holder for pressing against the outer surface of a said sheet to retain the sheet on the holder within a said chamber, means controlled by the rotation of said holder and timed therewith for introducing an electrolyte at predetermined intervals into a said chamber in contact with the parts of the inner surface of the sheet disposed inside of its pattern outline and exposed by said matting devices, means for passing an electric current through said electrolyte and also through said sheet to electrically change the surface condition of the sheet, and means controlled by the rotation of said holder for shutting off the iiow of electric current to a chamber having no electrolyte therein.

9. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material, the combination of a double wheel sheet holder for holding sheets for treatment, devices for rotating said wheels on a common axis, each of said wheels having a plurality of recesses formed in its peripheral surface to constitute individual sheet treating chambers, resilient matting devices located in said chambers for outlining the area of the sheet to be treated when a sheet is disposed in a said chamber, means including a pair of belts, one for each wheel for clamping a sheet on a. said resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamber Within the outlines of said matting device, the portions of the inner surface of the clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices being exposed to the interior of said chamber, means for radially introducing and vcirculating a liquid electrolyte from the axis of said Wheels into each of said chambers when a said chamber is closed by a sheet so that the liquid contacts the exposed surface of the sheet, and means for passing an electric current through said electrolyte and through a said sheet to surface treat the sheet.

10. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material, the combination of a double wheel sheet holder for holding sheets for treatment, devices for rotating said wheels on a common axis, each of said wheels having a plurality of recesses formed in its peripheral surface to constitute individual sheet treating chambers, resilient matting devices located in said chambers for outlining the area of the sheet to be treated when a sheet is disposed in a said chamber, means including a pair of belts, one for each wheel for clamping a. sheet on a said resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamber Within the outlines of said matting device, the portions of the inner surface of the clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices being exposed to the interior of said chamber, a source oi liquid electrolyte. means for radially introducing and circulating said liquid electrolyte from said source through the axis of said wheels into each of said chambers when a said chamber is closed by a sheet so that the liquid contacts the exposed surface of the sheet, means for preventing access of the liquid to said chambers when the sheets are being placed on the periphery of said wheel and removed therefrom, means for passim an electric current through said electrolyte and through a said sheet to surface treat the sheet, and means for returning the liquid `electrolyte from 'said chambers to said source to' be recirculated therefrom.

l1. In an apparatus for electrically treating metallic sheet material, the combination of a wheel sheet holder Ifor holding sheets for treatment, means for rotating said wheel, said wheel having a plurality of recesses formed in its peripheral surface to constitute individual sheet treating chambers, resilient matting devices 1ocated in said chambers for outlining the area of the sheet to be treated when a sheet is disposed in a said chamber, means including a belt for clamping a sheet on a said resilient matting device so as to cover over its chamber within the outlines of said matting device, the portions of the inner surface of the clamped sheet not engaging said matting devices being exposed to the interior of said chamber, means for radially introducing and circulating a liquid electrolyte from the axis of said Wheel into each of said chambers when a said chamber is closed by a sheet so that the liquid contacts the exposed surface of the sheet, and means for passing an electric current through said electrolyte and through a said sheet to surface treat the sheet.

HORACE J. PAYNTER.