US907425A - Electroplating apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

Af. VAN WINKLE & J. T. DANIELS.

ELEGTROPLATIN G APPARATUS.

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WITNESSES.'

A. VAN WINKLE z J., T. DANIELS.

BLBCTROPLATING APPARATUS. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 29, 19'07.

Patented 1360.22, 1908.

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ELEGTROPLATING APPARATUS. APPLIUATION PVILBD JUNE ze, 1907.

907,425. Patented Dec. 1908.

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ABRAHAM VAN WINKLE AND JOHN lTHE HAN'soN a-VAN T. DANrELs, or NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, AssrGNoRs- 'ro WINKLE COMPANY, A CORPORATION or NEW JERSEY.

.ELEcTRoPLA'rINGgAPrARATUs.

4Intentar Dee.. as, 1908.

Appiieaaon mea June 29,' 1907. serrano. 281,385.

the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to characters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this speciiication. f

Our present invention is in the nature of improvements in electroplating apparatus; and the present invention relates more particularly to a novel electroplating apparatus and method of electroplating such bodies, as

chains, or the like, arranged in the forml of continuous loops moving upon and about conveying rolls or drums, the apparatus hereindescribed. being an improvement on that form and style of electroplating apparatus described and illustrated in our former application for Letters-Patent, iiled June 7.,

1907, Serial No. 377,690.

The present invention objects to provide a novel and simply constructed electroplating apparatus for the electro-deposition cf metals u on the heavier articles of manufacture, sucfi as chains, or other hoop or loop-shaped bodies, which are to be arranged upon and roll or move with a revolving support lor supports, all with a view of simplifying the method-of electroldeposition, and providing' in connection therewith a no vel means for producing simultaneously with the Vele-ctrodeposition of the metal, a bright finish of the plated surface or surfaces.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable means, for the purpose of producing a' bright finish ofthe metal, said meanslbeing movable into or out of the electroplating solution7 S0 ,tojbe Operative,

either in' an immersed position beneath the surfaceof the electroplating fluid, or being operative above the surface of the fluid', las

, may be desired, and as may be necessary according to the kind of electro-plating work which is being done. i

' Other objectsof this invention not at-this time` more especially enumerated `will be has for its principalVv tailed description of the same. f

With the. various objects of our present --Inarily, in the novel electroplating apparatus hereinafter set forth; and, furthermore, this invention consists in the various arrangements and combinations of devices andI parts, as well as in thealletaiis of .tneconstruction of the'same, all of which will be more'i'ully described in the following speciication, and then iinahy embodied in the and which form an essential part' of this specification.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which?- Figure 1 is a top or plan view ofthe apparatus embodying the rinciples of this invention; Fig. 2 is aside e evation of the appara'- tus; and Fig. v3 is a central longitudina vertical section of the apparatus.. Fig. 4 is a transverse section of the apparatus, said section-being taken on line 4-.4 insaid Fig. 1, looking in the directiony of the arrow and Fig. 5 is a detail vertical section, said section being taken on line 5-5 in said Fig. `1.

Similar characters ofv reference 'are employed in all ot` the above described views, to 'indicate corresponding parts.

Referring now to the several figures of the a suitably constructed tank or vat, the same all of which are4 suitably connected andmay be tied with tie-bolts 5- Extending across the upper open portion of the tank or vat is an arrangement of one or more rds or bars- 6, which are held in means of suitable fastening devices, as 7. An electric conductor 8, in the form of a wire or rod, is connected with said anode-rods or bars by means of suitable contact-producing sleeves 81, and upon one of the said rods on bars 6 is another contact-sleeve 9, or similar fastening device', with which is suitably con-p. nected an electric conductor, such as a wire or rod 10, which leads from the main source of electricity. Suspended from each rod or bar 6,V by means of hooks l1, or in any other suitable manner, are any desirable number of metal anode`s,`as 12, which are thusar-lranged` in the .electrolyte o r electroplptingA f iuid contained in said vat\o r tank. Arranged in the .space betweameach pair drawings, the reference-characterl indicates place preferably by .ol-early understood from the ,followingde- Y.

invention. in view, the same consists, pri.

clauses of the claim which are appended to .comprising a base?, the sides 3, and ends 4,

of anode-rods or bars 6 is a revolving Worksupporting roll or drum 13, Which is usually made of Wood, and u on the ends of which are secured suitably ormed plates or caps 14 oi metal. Each plate or cap 14 is provided with an endj ournal 15. Bvmeans of these journals each roll or drum may be rotatively and at thecsame time removably arranged in an arrangement of open or semicircular bearings 15 which may be secured in place upon' the upper edges of the sides 3, by means oi bolts or screws 17. The bearings 1li upc-n the one side of the tank or vat have connected therewith and leading therefrom suitable circuit-Wires or rods 18, being conh and secured in place by means screws 19, or other suitable fastennieans. vThe Wires or rods 18 are prcvided with contact-producing members or elements 20 for the purpose of completing ti urn-circuit through arod or wire 21,

and by means of another contact-producing element 22 completing the electric circuit'by rneansof the'rod or Wire 23 with the main source or supply of. electricity. opposite end, the journal of each Work-supporting roll or drum 13 is provided With a toothed or worm-Wheel 24, each wheel 24 being in mesh With a Worm 25 upon a driving shaft 25 which revolves in suitable bearings' 27, substantially as clearly illustrated in Figs. and 2 of the drawings. This shaft may be driven from a sprocket-Wheel 28, over which may be arranged a link driving chain; or, the said shaft may be operated in any other suitable manner, as Will be evident.

Each Work-supporting roll, in order Vthat it will serve as a goodconduc'tor foncarrying the electric current into and through the K Work which is to be electroplated, is provided With a series of longitudinally extend-- ingA metal strips, bands or plates 29, over Which the chains or other looped or hoopshaped goods of manufacture, which are to be electroplated, are suspended and which act to produce a rotary motion of the goods when the Work-supporting roll is being operated, as Will be clearly evident from an inspection more particularly of Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Separating' disks, plates, or partitions 30 may also be suitably disposed and secured upon eachroll or drum, so as to provide a number of annular spaces upon each roll or drum for the movement therein of the Work or cathode.

A Each side 3 of the tank or vat may also be lprovided with a series of vertically disposed grooves or channels 31,A forming suitable guides 1n Which are retained, and are capable of vertical movements, the end portions of the journals 33 of other rolls or drums 32 around which the lower moving portions of the chains or looped bodies move, so as to retain the movingportions of said bdies in,

Upon the their properly separated relations to-more readily deposit the metal upon"` all parts of said bodies, andfat the same time to cause theone moving portion of the chain, or similar body, to move in constant and uniform engagement ,With the brushes or bristles 35 of suitable rolls or drums 34. These drums 34 Which are revolved from a belt 36, substaptiallyas shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings, are provided With the end-plates 37 and journals 38thel end-portions of which revolve in suitable bearing-portions 4() forming parts of suitable screw-threaded sleeves or nuts 39. These sleeves or nuts 39 are adjustably disposed upon screw-threaded rods or spindles 41 which vare preferably arranged Within suitable grooves or channels 42 formed in the sides 3 of the tank or vat, said rods or spindles being heldin vertical positions by suitable bearing-blocks 43 at their lower ends and brackets 44- at their up er ends, said brackets being suitably secureduponthe upper edges of the said sides 3, substantially 1n the manner shown. cThat the said rods or spindles are rotatably retained with relation `to saidvbrackets, the u per end-portion of each rod or spindle is re uced, as at 45, so as to form a shoulder 46 which is fitted against the under surface of the partl 47 of each bracket, each art 47 being formed With a hole 48 in which ranged, a collar 49 being secured u on that part of the portion 45 which exten s above the part 47 of the bracket, and a squared or angularly formed end-member 50 beingf rovided for the placing thereon of a Wrenc or operating member 51. It Will' thus beevident, that the said rods or spindles 41 can be turned in either direction, and the sleeves or nuts 39 made to move either ,upwardly or downwardly upon said screw-threaded rods, as may be desired, to adjust the brushes vertically, so as to locate the latter in their immersed positions in the electroplating solution, or above the same, according to the nature of the work which is to be plated and the kind of electroplating solution used.

Having thus described the general construction and arrangement of the devices and parts of the apparatus, the chains or similar work to be electroplated are readily arranged upon the rolls by raising the end-portions of the rolls sufficiently from their bearings, so that the portions of chain or the like can be slipped in rolling relation over each pair of vertically disposed rolls, and the free ends of the chain having been connecte-d with a piece of binding wire or stout cord, and th rolls being replaced, the mechanism can be set in operation from the driving shaft 26. Proper electrical connection having also been made in the manner previously stated, the

the reduced portion 45 is arl electric current is turned on, and the rolls or drums moving the Work into and from the electrolyte orelectrglytieuid, process ofthe comet electrmdcposition of the metal from the anode or anodes to the Work orcathode immediately takes place.- Tlie Work., at the same time, being continuously rolled or moved against ltlie brushes, a bright or bur nished electro-deposited surface will also be produced, and the Work can be removed from the apparatus in its finished condition.

From the foregoing description of the present invention, it Will be clearly seen, that We have devised a simple, and eflectively operating mechanism for electro-plating ap aratus in which. the' Work which is to be p ated'is continuousiy moved or rolled through the elcctroplating solution, which is of es ecial benefit in plating long chains, Wliic. are looped over the rolls of the apparatus.. o

We are aware that changes may be made in the arrangements and combinations of the devices and partsyas Well as in the details of the construction of the same, without dearti from the sco e of this invention. and i' 1 as cleariy defined in the appended claims. Hence We do not limit our invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the devices and parts as described in the foregoing specification and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, nor de we confine ourselves to the exact details ofthe construction of the same.

We claims- 1. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank, adapte to contain an electro plating solution, a revoluble support from Which. the work which is to be plated is sus pended and is in rolling engagement with said support, and a rotary brush in said tank vin engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work.

2. An electroplating apparatus comY rising a vat or tank adapted to contain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble support from which the Work which is to be plated is susp ended and is in rolling engagement with said support, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the movin surfaces of the Work, and means for vertica adjustment of said brush.

3. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank, adapted to contain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble supportl from ,which the Work which is to be plated. is suspended and is in rolling engagement with said support, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement With the moving surfaces of the work, the brush being provided with end-journals, and means for the Vertical adjustment of said brush, consisting of verti-v cally arranged screw-rods, a sleeve movably arranged upon each screw-rod, and means connected with each screw-rod for operating the same, substantially as and for the pury poses set forth.

4. An electro lting apparatus com rising a vat or tank a opted to contain an ectroplating solution, ey revoluble support from which. the Work which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagement with said support, combined with another sup port from which metal anodes are adapted to `e suspended, electric circuits with which said supports are connected, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the moving surfaces oi the Work.

5. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted to contain an e ectro plating solution, a .revoluble support from which the Work which is tol be plated is sus pended and is in rolling engagement with said support, combined with another support from which metal anod es are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits with which said supports are connected, a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the moving Asurfaces of tbe work, and means for vertice adjustment of said brush.

6.V An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank adapted to contain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble support from which the Work which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling eugagementwith said support, combined with lanother support from which metal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits With W ich said supports are connected, a rotary brush in said. tank in enga ement with the moving surfaces of the wor ,l the brush being provided Witli end-journals, and means for the vertical adjustment of said brush, consisting of verticallyarranged screw-rods, a sleeve movably arranged upon each screw-rod, and means connected with each screw-rod for o erating the same, substantially as and for t e purposes set forth.

7. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or .tank adapted to contain an e ectro plating solution, a revoluble support from which the Work'whicli is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagement with said support, the body of said support being a non-conductor of electricity, metal contact-stri s upon said support, an electric ciri 1s connected, and

cuit Wit which thewor a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the work.

8. An electroplating apparatus com )rising a vat or tan-k adapted to contain an e ectro-` plating solution, a revoluble support from which the Work which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagement with said support, the body ot' said support being a non-conductor of electricity, metal contact-strips upon said su. port, an electric circuit With which` the wor is connected, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, and means for vertical adjustment of said brush.

i 9. An electro )lating apparatus com rising a vat or tank adapted to contain an e cetro plating solution, a` revoluble supportfrom which the Work which is to be plated is suspended and is' in rollin en agement with said support, the body o sai support being a non-conductor of electricity,` metal contact-strips upon said su portl an electric cir- Cuit with Wh1cl1 the Wor is connected, and a iotary brush in said tank in engagement Witl thel moving surfaces of the Work, the brush being rovided with end-journals, and means' or the vertical adjustment of said brush, consisting of vertically arranged' screw-rods, a sleeve movably arranged upon each screw-rod, and' means connected with each screw-rod for operating the same, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted to contain an electroplating solution, a revoluble support 11. Anelec'troplating apparatus compris-' ing a vat or tank adapted to contain 'an electroplating solution, a revoluble support from which the work which is to 4be plated is suspended and is in rollin engagement with said support, the body to said lsupport being a non-conductor of electricity, metal contact-stri s upon said support, an electric circuit Wit which the Workis connected, combined with another support from Whichthe metal anodes are adapted to be suspended,

' electric circuits with which said supports are connected, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement With the moving surfaces of the Work, and means for vertical adjustment of saidbrush. i

v12. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted to contain an electroplating solution, a revoluble support from which the Work which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagement with said support, the body of said support being a non-conductor of electricity, metal contactstri s upon said support, `an electric circuit Wit which the Work is connected, combined With another support from which the metal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits with which said supports are connected, and a rotary brush in. said tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, the brush being provided with endjournals, and means for vthe vertical adjustment of sa1d brush, consisting of vertically arranged screw-rods, a sleeve movably arranged upon each screw-rod, and means con-` eer-,essi

nected with each screw-rod for operating the saine, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

i3. ln an ele troplating apparatuaa vat or tank adapted to contain an electrcplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supporting rolls over which the Work which is to e plated is arranged in rolling engagement, means for actuating said rolls, and a rotary brush in said -tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work.

14. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain an electroplating solution, a pair oi vertically disposed suporting rolls over which the Work which is to e plated is arranged in rolling engagement, means for actuating said rolls, and` a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the movin@ surfaces of the Work, and means for vertical adjustment of said brush.

15. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain an electropiating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supporting rolls over which the work which is to e plated is arranged in rolling engagement, .Y

means for actuating said rolls, anda rotary brush in said tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, the brush being provided with end-journals, and means for the vertical adjustment of said brush, consisting of vertically arranged screw-reds, a sleeve movably arranged upon eacluv screwrod, and means connected with each screwrod for operating the same, substantially and for the purposes set fortis..l

16. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain an electroplating' solution, a pair of vertically disposed snporting rolls over which the Work which to e plated is arranged in rolling engagement, means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar vfrom which metal anodes are to suspended, electric circuits with which anode-bar and one of said rolls are electrically connected, anda rotary bruslL in tank, in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work. s

17. In an electroplating apparatus, vat or tankadapted to contain an electroplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed snpf )orting roll over which the Work which is te be plated is arranged in rolling engagement, means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar from which metal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits with which sai` anode-bar and one of said rolls are electrically connected, and a rotary brush in said tank, in engagement with the moving sur-f -faces of the Work, and means for vertical adjustment of said brush.

18. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain an electroplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supv porting rolls over which the work Which is to e plated is arrapged in rolling engagement,

means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar connected with each screw-rod for operating from which metal anodes are adapted to be the same, substantially as and for the pursuspended, electric circuits with Which said poses set forth.

anode-bar and one offsaid rolls are electric In testimony, that We claim the invention 144' 5v'ailyrconr'iccted,l and-a rotary brush in said set forth above We have hereunto set our ftank,.1 in engagementl With the moving sur hands this 26th day of June 1907.

faces offthawork, the brush being provided ABRAHAM VAN WINKLE.

end-journals, and means for the vertical JOHN T, DANIELS. adguatment of said brush, consisting of ver- Witnesses: v 10 ticaly arranged screw-rods, a sleeve movabiy E. N. BoIoE,

arranged. upon each screw-rod, andhmeans F. H. W. FRAENTnEL.

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