US2601535A - Electrolytic treating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 24, 1952 L. E. LANCY I 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS led Aug. 9, 194a i 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 NVENTOR sLie E- Lan L. E. LANCY ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS June 24, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 9, 1948 \m U 0 m6 MG \M mm m mm Om m m 0m h m as? INVENTOR [:sLie Lanc/ E .m h K June 24, 1952 L, E, LAN'C 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 4 22 30 3/ 22 24 4 F4)-. a 2%; L iii 1 INVENTOR LesLl'e E. P

June 24, 1952 E LAN 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS (-93 0 c. WWV

INVENTOR Les Lie 5 LEI 2w WCOJi/W 777% kg Hmrne Vi June24, 1952 1.. E. LANCY 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 SheesSheet 6 June 24, 1952 LANCY 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 l a F INVENTOR 6 Leslie 5.1-311 1)! .rectangular framework of the racks.

Patented June 24, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to the electrolytic treating of articles such as tubes, tubular of formed shapes, rods, extrusions, sheets, wire, screen, etc., and particularly, to the treating of articles having a length or extent such that they cannot be readily treatedin a conventional manner. My invention is of a special importance in connection with the treatment of tubular lengths.

Previous to my present invention, one method has been to advance articles through a treatment bath by a series of sweeping devices that employ moving fingers and guide channels. In accordance with this procedure, the articles rest loosely on the guide channels and are advanced therealong by a progressive series of rotating sweepfingers.

In accordance with another method, a currentcarrying conveyor is used for moving detachable, article-holding, rectangular metal racks through a treatment bath. A plurality of such independent racks are provided and work articles are manually mounted within the periphery of the The racks are then manually hung from the carrier. At the completion of the treating operation, the racks are manually removed from the carrier and the treated articles manually removed from the racks. Thus, at least two men are needed at each end of the treatment bath. It will be appreciated that this is a time and labor consuming procedure. Also, such a procedure is disadvantageous from an electrical efficiency standpoint. That is, the portions of a rack or other supporting structure for the work articles that are submerged in the bath during the treatment operation will, themselves, be acted upon by or will influence the action of the treating bath. The rack extends along a lower side of the work article in'the bath and portions of the rack below the article tend to mask or prevent a free flow of electrical charges about peripheral sides of the article. If the operation is a cleaning operation, then the submerged portions of the rack will be gradually eaten away, and if the operation is a plating operation, the submerged portions of the rack will take up coating material. Even if such a rack could be made of dielectric material, I have determined that its lower vertical portions and its transverse connection portion would tend .to shade the treatment of the work article.

Basket as well as slab types of electrodes have been used by those skilled in the art. Slab electrodes mustv be cast into a certain shape and at least portions of the structure must be then torn down and the solution removed from the bath container to replace them. Heretofore, a basket type of electrode has only been used where a gravity flow of its ball elements has been possible and its feed end can be located above the bath level. Thus, when a horizontal electrode is required, it has been customary to use a slab type.

In accordance with my procedure, the articles are carried by a pair of transversely-aligned, electricalcurrent-carrying arms which hold the articles adjacent their opposite ends. Such arms are rigidly or integrally mounted upon a conveyor apparatus which includes a pair of transversely-spaced-apart conveyors. Such conveyors are synchronized for simultaneous operation, in order that the arms of one conveyor may be aligned and kept in alignment with transverselyopposite arms of the other conveyor during the movement of the apparatus. The article-carrying arms may be an integral or rigid part of the pair of conveyors. Such conveyor apparatus is insulated electrically from the arms. Each arm of a pair of cooperating arms extends or projects adjacent opposite sides of the apparatus, and is in substantial alignment with an end portion of a work article being carried. There is no masking of current flow through the treating solution to the work article below its point of support, or as to its outer side periphery.

In accordance with my invention, masking is practically eliminated, both from the standpoint of support arms interposed in the path of movement of current through the bath to surface portions of the work articles that are to be treated, as well as from the standpoint of electrolytic action upon such support arms.

These and other conventional procedures have a number of disadvantageous features which limit their application and use, which complicate the apparatus employed, which are inefficient or wasteful in the transmission of electric energy, which limit sizes and shapes that may be treated, which tend to mask or cover at least a portion of the surface of the articles that are to be coated or treated, and which make it difiicult and expensive to replace or renew the electrodes that are located in the treatment bath.

I have been able to, in accordance with my invention, eliminate the disadvantageous fea-- tures of prior procedure and apparatus by an entirely new approach to the problems involved. I have been able to solve the problems heretofore presented by the art in question, to overcome the limitations as to the size and shape or articles to be treated, and to simplify the overall construction and operation of the apparatus and to provide an improved efficiency of electrolytic treatment. Although for the purpose of describing my invention, I will particularly-show appae. ratus and procedure as applied to members having a relatively long, tubular extent, it will be apparent that the principles of my invention may be applied to any suitable shape or size of article which is to be conditioned or treated. The arrangement of apparatus is now such that shading of current flow to the articles being treated is substantially eliminated, a more effici nt and practical, as well as a simplified construction and maintenance of the equipment may be effected, and the overall treatment procedure is materially speeded-up.

In accordance with my invention, the work objects, pieces, or articles maybe continuously subjected to treatment while they are being carried through a treatment cycle or zone in a substantially horizontal position.

Optimum electrode spacing and ease of handling through anumber of treatment cycles follows as a result of my invention. That is, it is now possible to treat a continuous succession of work objects or articles at a high current density and in such a manner that the treating solution is concentrated over the full desired surface area ofthe work articles and that losses in transmitting current from bus bars to the articles are greatly minimized. Relatively large amounts of current can be delivered directly to the articles, i

due in part at least, to relatively large contact surfaces and to more direct and intimate contacts between the current-carrying bus bars and the work articles. The lack of obstructions, like guides, tracks, etc., provides complete freedom in effecting the most suitable location and replenishment of the bath electrodes. The apparatus employed lends itself perfectly to automatic loading and unloading systems and can be incorpog;

rated as a unit of a material handling system to receive the work articles for treatment and to deliver them as processed. One or more electrolytic and processing treatment units can also be readily connected in series by continuous conveying mechanism.

Briefly summarized, the articles to be treated are picked up by a continuously moving conveyor apparatus which, itself, need not be currentcarrying. This. conveyor apparatus is provided with a pair of transversely spaced-apart continuous conveyors and each conveyor is provided with a series of outwardly-projecting and longitudinally spaced-apart arms. This arrangement provides a plurality of pairs of substantially horizontally or transversely-spaced-apart and substantially aligned arms which are moved by the conveyor apparatus along current-carrying bus bars, and are providedwith fingers, hooks,

etc., constructed and arranged to pick up a work article or a plurality of articles at one end of the treatment apparatus, for example, from a conveying mechanism. The article is positively carried through the treatment bath, is supplied with current during such movement, and is discharged at the other end of the treatment bath on a conveying mechanism, for example. The fingers, contactors, hooks, or work article-carrying elements of the arms are preferablypositioned to engage the article adjacent opposite ends thereof. The engagement is effected in such a manner that current is efiiciently carried to the work articles and without materially masking or shading surface areas of the articles which are to be treated. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the article-holding elements which are also electric contactor elements, engage opposite ends of the article and extend into the interior thereof.

Cam mechanism is provided for periodically separating the article-holding or contactor elements in accordance with the position of the conveying system, in order to, as previously pointed out, automatically pick up the articles and automatically deliver them after treatment.

In accordance with my invention, I also provide a longitudinally extending, current-carrying common or main bus bar for the bath electrodes and mount a spaced series of drop frames on such main bus bar which are directly connected to the bath electrodes. The main bus bar, as well as the drop'frames and the various connections may be of a highly conductive metal such as copper. The drop frames are longitudinally spaced-apart, and each frame has a transversely-extending bus bar and a .plurality of transversely-spacedsapart, vertically-extending bus bars secured thereto and to the electrodes. The number of individual frames may correspond substantially to the number of electrodes and in spacing to the spacing of such electrodes. In this connection, in an ordinary galvanizing procedure, I have successfully employed a frame spacing of about 5 feet. Line drop of current being carried is practically nil. Although, Iprefer to employ a plurality of suitably positioned electrodes, my conveyor apparatus can also be employed where the container, itself, is an electrode.

I have also provided an improved type of electrode having replaceable elements which maybe utilized where both of its end portions are under the level of the treating fluid orliquid and where full gravity movement of electrode elements. is not possible or practical. Contrary to belief of those skilled in the art, a flexible type of electrode can be successfully used, even where the electrode support or housing must be fed through a portion of the depth of the fluid level of the treatment bath and even where-full gravitymovement of its elements not practical. I am able to use a flexible or a basket type of electrodeof a suitable shapeandto locate it in any suitable location for most eflicient=treating-action within the treatment bath.

Another important feature of my invention rests upon the fact that conveyor apparatus for moving work articles'through the treatment zone or bath is not, itself, current conducting. The conveyor apparatus carries a minimum arm structure for supporting the work articles and such structure is, itself, securedtothe conveyor apparatus for movement thereby. The arm structure cooperates with orslides along electrical bus bars which areinsulated from other parts ofthe apparatus,-including the conveyor apparatus. It is no longer necessary'to conduct current through steel chains or relatively poor conductors, in that the current may be directly carried by short leadmembers which are of highly conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, etc. Metal parts used for supporting and conducting current to the work articles can be insulated from the bath bysuitable dielectric sleeves. The efficiency of the overall plating operation is increased, current is conserved, and wear and tear on the article-handling and ourrent-conducting portions or"v the apparatus is minimized.

I have also provided an improved electrode readily replaced or recharged as they are used up-by treating or processing operations. That is, the reverse electrodes can be provided with additional plating metal or electrode elements,

Without shutting down the apparatus and without partially dismantling it.

I have provided force-generating means for feeding electrode shapes, elements, portions, or segments and for holding them in close abutment, either by gravity or by kinetic energy. Thus, the feeding or replenishing operation as to the electrode elements may be effected by positioning the electrodes on an inclined horizontal plane or by employing pneumatic, hydraulic, spring, or other suitable force-applying means to advance and hold their segments or elements in a proper position with respect to each other. That is, the electrode support or housing can be shaped and positioned in a manner most suitable for effective current distribution. In this connection, suitable discs, balls, quoits, flat-tops, dumbbells, cone shapes, or suitable anode plating material can be supplied to the electrode as the need arises, and thus, as they are used up by the electrolytic treating operation. Although conventional slab electrodes can be used, I prefer to employ somewhat flexible electrodes for this purpose. Such shapes can, in accordance with my invention, also be employed for electrodes that are located underneath the work articles or pieces. The feeding of new pieces of fresh metal may be effected and a positive contact between the shapes may be maintained, regardless of whether the electrodes are positioned on a horizontal, vertical, or an inclined plane. The electrode shapes can be dropped into an electrode housing or container from above the level of the bath solution, regardless of whether a feed end of the electrode is mounted above or below the level of the bath. They are then forced along the support member or housing by their own gravitational force alone, or by an added weight, by spring tension, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure alone, or in combination with gravitational force.

The electrode or anode housing, container or support provides a continuous line of electrode or anode shapes along the desired length of the electrode which can be readily placed at a suitable location for most efficient electrolytic action and, as previously pointed out, can be kept in a fully charged relationship by adding additional shapes thereto, as needed.

It has thus been an object of my invention to provide new and improved procedure for electrolytically treating work articles;

Another object has been to eliminate the disadvantageous features of prior art procedures and constructions by finding a practical solution to the problems involved;

A further object of my invention has been to broaden the scope of efficient utilization of electrolytic treating procedure, and particularly, from the standpoint of shapes having a greater length or extent;

A still further object has been to devise improved apparatus for handling or advancing articles through a treatment bath;

A still further object has been to provide new and improved forms of electrode constructions '6 and arrangements for electrolytically treating articles during their movement through a bath;

These and many other objects of my invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the illustrated embodiments thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section taken on the line I-I of Figure 2; upper and lower electrodes are shown diagrammatically in outline;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; in this view, the bath electrodes have been omitted;

Figure 3 is a transverse section looking towards a front end of the apparatus and taken along the line III--III of Figure 1;

Figure 3A is an enlarged detail showing a method of insulating and mounting bus bar hangers on structural support members, see the embodiment of my invention shown for example in Figure 3;

Figure 3B is an enlarged sectional detail taken on the line IIlB-IIIB of Figure 3;

Figure 4 is a front end sectional detail in elevation showing means for opening the work article contactors or holding fingers to pick up an article at the front end of the treating apparatus and is taken along the line IVIV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top sectional detail taken at the front end of the apparatus arrangement of Figure 1 and along the line VV of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a vertical end section taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 5; the view shows the movement of work article-carrying arms in conjunction with cam members and an article B;

Figure 7 is a back end vertical section showing means for releasing the articles being treated at the delivery or back end of the apparatus and is taken along the line VIIVII of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a horizontal plan section taken below the conveyor apparatus of Figure 1 and along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional detail showing how pairs of article carrying arms are electrically connected to the bus bars for providing an efficient and continuous flow of current to the arms, while they are being advanced through the treatment bath by the conveyor; this figure is taken along the line IX--IX of Figure 10;

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional detail taken along the line X--X of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic end view in elevation showing electrical features or connections for the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view in elevation, taken endwise of the apparatus of Figure 1 and illustrating a form of upper electrode or electrode holder;

Figure 13 is an enlarged side view in elevation of a lower electrode or electrode holder, taken endwise of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a still more enlarged fragmental detail, taken from one end of the electrodes of Figures 12 and 13 and illustrating a dielectric sleeve for protecting drop supports or connections from the electrolytic bath;

Figure 15 is an enlarged end view taken from the right hand side of the electrode or holder of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is an enlarged side view similar to Figure 12 and illustrating a modified form of electrode;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 12, but illustrating another form of electrode;

Figure 18 is a greatly enlarged perspective view ae'oigtea showing "a 'doughnutior fiat disc :type :of electrode shape which mayb'eiemployedin connection with the electrode embodiments :shown inxFigures 19 r and 20;

And, Figures 19 and .20- are enlarged side views in elevation of further forms 'ofielectrode= constructions that maybe :u'tilized :in accordance with my invention.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, #I have shown an apparatusarrangement and suitable'electrical .connectionsxfor electrolytically treating work articles, such as metal tubing. The work article :to beitreated are represented vby capitalized, :alphabetical designations. I have shown a series so'f :work

articles designated A, =B,1C, E;..etc., being :fedito a iront end of a "conveyor of theitreating apparatus by means of a pair of transverselyespacedsapart, article-holding chains 2 Ta .andi'z'lb TOf 9.3. ,zdelivery conveyor mechanism. After the treatment I013- eration, the articlesindicated A. :B','iC, :etc, .are progressively discharged .'-up0n a delivery guide table 65, and thence, tocalconveyormechanism which mayv beemployed'to: move'thearticlesprogressively "through suitable z-washing, :rinsing, or other processingba'th's 85 and 1:85. The entire layout may be driven .in .synchronism, for example, by a single motor 110, see :Figure .2.

The delivery'mechanism is; provided, as shown particularly in Figures :1, 2., and-5, with a :pair of oppositely-"spacedeapart, upright support members 2| of angular shape. :Backflange portions'of the upright members :2! are welded or secured to the transverse angle iniembers tl, and ,1 sideyfiange' portions thereof are welded at .24,t

a pair of oppositely-positioned, longitudinallyextending, curved, retaininggu-ide members .22, see Figures 1 and 5.

Referring;particularly'to Figure;2:, atmotor ID is mounted on anextending support member I I which is secured to the-structure of thereontainer 1 and additionally mounts .a speed reduction unit [2. :The speedreductionunit i2 is driven by themotor H), and .in turn, actuates a to drive a sprocket wheel 1:8 throughsa. chain H. The sprocket wheel [8 .is secured onaudeliveryconveyor driving .shaft 19. 'The shaft I9 is journaled-adjacent its opposite ends. within bearings 20 which are mounted on the upright members 2t.

As shown particularly Figures I and- 5, ra pair of spaced-apart conveyor-chain-mounting wheels 25a and 25b which-carrry chain sprockets 26a and 216b,;are secured-onthe-drive 'shaftifl =tor actuation thereby. .It? will thus :be-apparent v paratus.

.bus bar.

I that workarticles .A, B C,;etc.,'.will:beradvanced progressively towards the .;front lendwof the treating bath by ::apparatus link .1chain5 lzfla and .2 lb

and .under the :.retaining .guide members 212.

:AS shown in.;-Figure 1, theworkarticles restzin outwardly-concave, slotted rmembers of the chains 21a and 1271) and vextend :thereacross, see particularly" Figure ,5.

After a work article has :reached {the :1 position indicated by'the article B of Figure .1, then means is provided for gripping zthezarticle adiacentits opposite ends to :advance it along theinside of the vbathcontainer ;1'. Asvshowmparticularly in Figures ,4 and- 5, a continuous conveyor apparatus is positionedabovewthescontainer 1 =for;progressively advancing the articles longitudinally therealong. In vthis co nnection, it .will be-seen particularly from; Figures 2 and. 3, that -therexare two -transversely-spaced+apart conveyors which are t connected together for simultaneous -:operation .and whichextend along opposite sides of the container]. Due to the similarityof these two-conveyors l ha veused thesame numbersto designatethem. The-pair of conveyors aredrivon by the primary-drive shaft 14' through the agency of .a .pair of oppositely-positioned, chain sprocket wheels 40 which aresecured on the shaft 14 for rotation therewith.

.I .have shown, see Figure l.. three secondary drive shaftstl 4,, H, and 14'' located inla somewhat rectangular relationship with .respect to primary drive shaft 14 which with the shaft 14 support anddrive a .pair of transversely-spacedapart conveyor chains .4 l. Each of these'three shafts is provided with. apair of sprocket wheels which are. shownpositioned. on .common .vertical planes taken along opposite sides of..the conve'yor. That. is, the sprocket wheel .pairs :40, 40", and 40", like .the sprocket wheel '40, are secured .to their respective shafts 142.14" and 4' for rotation therewith. andlfor common factuation b'yfthe primary driveshaftll 4, its. sprocket wheel!!!) and the pair of chains-M -As disclosed in .Figures 11 2,3, .9, an'd.10,.each chain H .has

"interfitting connector linked? and I3 that .are pivotally connected ".bylp'ins 144. .As ,shownparticularly in Figures 1'9 and Il'JO, .the pivot .pins 44 carry chain rollers that also i-hold' the containerllinks-d'z and 43in a suitably .spacedrlationship with respect to each other. Spaced links 43 carry article-carrying arms ISOI'that aresecurelyim'ounte'd thereon to extend therefrom by dielectric connectorjp'iec'es 16 which insulate the current carrying arms 5ll'fromithe conveyorap- Each piece 46 is secured adjacent one end'to the link43 by dowel or rivet .pins d'l and adjacent its other end upon amount portion 4 9 ofthe armmembertu by "dowel o'rtrivetpins 48.

The arms '50,.a's.shownparticularly in Figure 9,, :are provided with a central bodiportion .5l having a somewhat circular bore '52 "to 'slidably receive a continuousibus 1bar..60.,-.principally of circular crossjsecti'on and havinga vrib, track, or guideaportion- 59d of rectangular section, see Figure I for longitudinal. elevation .ofcomplete .It. will benotedthat the-..surface of the boron. isro'ffset atl5'2a along. ama-jorrportion .of its length with respectto portionsof the-cirarea is minimized and an -efiicient e1ectrica;l contactis maintained. track or..rib. ifliaalso .angle.

9. holds the arms 50 against lateral movement. That is, arms 50 can not rotate on bus bar 60. The work article carrying arms 50 are adapted to be moved by chains 4| along the pair of bus bars 60 with a wiping joint action. The clearance provided at 52 prevents binding when member 5| passes along a curved part of bus bar 65.

The body portion 5| of each arm member 50 is provided with an outwardly-projecting portion 53 integral therewith upon which an extension arm member 55 is securely and rigidly mounted by dowel or rivet pins 54, see Figures 9 and 10. The extension arm members 55, as shown particularly in Figure 3, are adapted to extend below the level of the bath, as indicated. by a transverse, horizontal, dotted line of the figure. Thus, it may be desirable, as shown in Figure 9, to provide each of the extension arm members 55 with a dielectric sleeve, insulation, or plastic coating 58 along its length. I also prefer to provide a hard, wear-resistant sleeve 59 which is contacted by cams 32 and H for spreading or flexing the extension arms 55 adjacent front and back ends of the apparatus to progressively pick up work articles at the front end and to progressively discharge work articles at the back or delivery end thereof. The sleeve 59 may be of metal if the dielectric sleeve 58 is used, or if desired, may be of a hard, wear resistant dielectric material, such as hard rubber or plastic. A suitable transversely-extending finger 51 is rigidly secured to extend from an end portion of each arm extension member 55 as by a pin or rivet portion 56 which is integral with the finger 5'! and which provides a secure and rigid electrical contact with the metal of the arm 55, and thus with one of the pair of electrical bus bars 60.

Each work article, A, B, etc., rests upon an oppositely-aligned pairs. offingers 51, adjacent opposite ends of its length, while it is being moved in a transverse position longitudinally along the container 1 by the pair of spaced-apart, sidepositioned, continuous chains 4|. Regardless of whether or not a dielectric sleeve 58 is used, I prefer to provide a contact sleeve 59, not only to serve as a wear-resistant surface, but also, as a dielectric sleeve to insulate each current carrying extension arm member 55 from the other metallic parts including the opening cams 32 and TI.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6, I have shown mechanisms for spreading apart or flexing the arm members 55 which are preferably of spring metal construction. When as shown in Figure 1, a particular work article is delivered to the position of the article C by the conveying chains 21a and 21b, the movement of the bath conveyor causes one pair of arm extension members 55 to be flexed outwardly by a stationary cam mechanism. The mechanism has a front, transversely-extending, face plate portion 30 which has a somewhat angular-shaped top portion 3| (see Figure 1) which may in turn be welded to the retaining guide members 22' of the chain conveying system 2111 and 21b. The members 30-3l may be formed by bending a plate or As shown particularly in Figures 4 and 6, cams 32a and 32b are mounted on the face plate member 30 by threaded adjustment bolts 33. The cam members 32 are bifurcated or slotted to receive the bolts 33 and to permit their horizontal adjustment along the face plate member 30. Once a proper adjustment has been made, the oppositely-spaced-apart cams 32aand 321) are secured by tightening the bolts 33, Each 10 of the cams is provided with a downwardly and outwardly projecting cam surface 34, when the movement of the conveyor 4| is in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 1.

It will be apparent from a comparison of Figures l, 5, and 6, that the cam surfaces 34 spread or fiex the extending arm members 55 to positions indicated by the dotted lines of Figure 5 (see also the diagrammatic view of Figure 6) to open them to receive a Work article, such as B of Figure l. The extending arm members 55 are automatically closed or returned to their original full-line positions of Figure 5 after the cam contact portions 59 have ridden over the full extent of the cam surfaces 34. The work article, such as A of Figure 1, then falls upon the fingers or contactor pins 51 and rests thereupon during movement through the container 1.

To deliver work articles, such as A of Figure 1 at the back or delivery end of the apparatus and after the treating operation, a somewhat similar form of cam mechanism is provided to again spread the extending arm members 55 apartto release a treated work article as it is being raised from the container 1 by its conveyor.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and '7, a face plate member 10 is bolted at its opposite ends to a pair of vertically-extending structural channel members 9 that are secured to the container member I by the transverse angle members 8. A pair of cams 1 la and II b are adjustably mounted adjacent opposite ends of the member 70 and are bifurcated or slotted to receive threaded bolts 12 in a manner similar to the cams 32a and 32b of the front mechanism. Also in a like manner, the cams Ha and Nb are provided with cam faces 13 which by reason of the direction of rotation of the conveyor ll, incline upwardly and outwardly, as shown in Figure '7, to engage the contacting wear portions 59 of the extending arm members 55 and to move their fingers 51 out of engagement with the work article A which is to be discharged to a suitable conveying mechanism or system which will be herein described.

As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, a drive shaft IQ for the delivery conveying mechanism is journaled in bearings 20 which are bolted to the upright channels 9 and to the face plate member 10 of the cam mechanism. A sprocket wheel 18' secured onone end of the shaft IQ for rctationtherewith is driven by a chain ll and a chain sprocket IE which is secured on the end of one of the secondary drive shafts M. The shaft l9 also carries a pair of spaced-apart finger wheels 74, see Figures 1 and 2, which are secured thereon in "a transversely spaced-apart relationship to periodically receive an article, such-as A or B, etc., from the conveyor of the treating bath apparatus after a pair of conveyor arms 50 and their fingers 51 have released the work article. A backwardly-extending guide bracket member 65 is secured upon a back wall of the container I and is provided with a top guide plate 61 and a lower guide plate 58 (see Figure 1), to guide a Work article when it is discharged from the finger wheels l4 upon a delivery conveying mechanism. In this connection, see the tubular work article shown between the guide plates 61 and 68 by dot and dash lines, and the dotted arrow showing the direction of the travel of the work article.

By way of illustration, I have shown processing bath containers and 85 through which the delivery conveying system or mechanism may move the treated work articles. This conveying (see Figure 2) that is secured onthe end of elements or carriers82 int'o which a work-article"- The is delivered from the guide member: 66-; work articles may be carried from the bath 85 to the bath 86 and'deliveredfto' a2 stock pile or to further'treating'apparatus'. IniFigurel', the conveyor chains -8 I are constructed and arranged to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The

upper sprocket pairs 80, 88;", etc:, are-provided with secondary sprocket pairs-80a" and 80-11 for receiving an endlessd-rive chain 83 whlchper units a sag of the-conveyor: chains 8i into the containers B5 and 86;-

Referring' particularly to Figuresl and2; the treatment bath conveyorcliain sprocket wheels- 'li), l0, 4'0"and. are positioned by a sub.

stantially rectangular supportfiame which comprises, upright channel members Ed" on opposite sides of the apparatus and' longitudinally-extending channel members e whi'ch arewelded or secured to the upper ends of thespaced-apart channel members Bdand'toI -beam columns 9' to extend along each side of" the apparatusz Transversely-extending channel members 9b are secured to the column members 9' and some are, as shown in Figure 2; secured to the'members' fie to support or carry a pair of upper channel or guide members 9g which prevent'sagging-of the conveyor chains 4| during the upper phase of their movement between theupper" sprockets it" and 40", see Figure3;

As shown particularly in Figures'l, 3', 8 andll,

the treating apparatus is provided with electrodes such as anodes; which are electrically connected to bus'bars 95, 95; and BT01? opposite. potential to thebus bars fifl for'the-work articles: Upper electrodes H3 are mounted to extend transversely of the container T and ina longitudinally-spaced apart relationship With respectto each other above a work-article; such-as F of Figure 3, which isbeing, moved through the treatment bath. A series. of" lower" electrodes l2l are also positioned to extend transversely "of the container I. and in a' longitudinally-spacedapart relationshipv with respect to" each other within a lower portion of the treatment bath and in a staggered relationship with-respect to the upper electrodes H3, see Figure" 8; It will be apparent that the upper; and lower electrodes are positioned on. opposite sides-of the work articles, that are being processed to, as shown in Figurev 11, provide a highly eiiicient electrolytic action.

As shownparticularly'in Figures 1', 2, and 11, A. 0. current may be employed-to drive a motor generator 90 and9l to, provide D. C: current for the electrolytic bath. A rheostat 93 maybe em.- ployed to adjust the current value andis' shown connected in a positive potential-line 94; A negative potential line 921mm" the generator-9i is" Any suitable number of? sprockets and connected tov the pair ofi oppositely-positioned busbars 60' which supply: current tolthe articlecarrying armsi of the treatment bath conveyor.

As shown particularly in Figures 9 and 10, each bus bar fill is mountedby angle members BI at suitably-spaced locations therealong; Each angle member '61 is brazed at its: upper end portion 62' to one'ofthe pairof bus" bars 60. Each angle member 61 has an integral foot or, lower end portion- 63? that is; drilled out to receive a mounting bolt 65; This" mounting bolt 65: is provided with I washers 65a:- and extends through the portion 6-3 ofthebus bar mounting element 6|, througha feederbus-barsuchas= 90, through an insulatorblock Elli; and through an upper flange portion of an' upper angle member 8 of the container 1; see-a'lso Figurefi'. A dielectric sleeve--64 mounted on the-bolt 65- and provided with dielectricwashers 64a; serves to insulate the bolt from the metal structure of'theapparatus including the" container-*1. Themounts 6| are spaced'along-thelower extent of the pair of bus bars anda: similar mounting Iil' is spaced along-theupper-extent of'the pair to secure them onthe transversely-extending"-structural members-9b, see Figure 3';

Referring to Figures 1; 2, 3,8; and 11, I have also shownairame forsupportingthe bus bars 95, 96; and 97 for the upper and lower electrodes H3" and [2h The line 93"from themotorgenerator 91 or' theD. C. source is connected to the busbars 95, 96; andlll which'supply current to such electrodes;-

extending, strap-like top members I00 and vertically extending and, transversely spaced-apart side strap-like drop-membersl I06- and I01, as well asan intermediate vertical; strap-like drop member: I09; A pluralityoffthesemembers are spaced longitudinallyalong the apparatus, see Figure 11 It will be: noted: that these members are located; inside of the spacing; defined by the conveyor-chains and: do not interfere in any way with the operation of" carrying; the articles through the treatment bath, see Figures 1 and 8,

orwith the operation; of filling" or refilling the electrodes H3 and I2 I.

The bus bar I05, seelFigure 3,is centrally secured on suspended from a lower flange of the transverse, structural members-9b.: and to effect this result; bolts: H18 and; an insulating connection is employed, seeFigure 3B; The insulation of the mounting is similar to that shown'in Figure 9lzfor-the bus bar ill.

The, upper ends of thezside conducting member pairs. I06; and; I01 areesecuredi by bolts luau tostrap member will; tandhthelower ends, of the strapmembers. I06 and, I01 are securedto lower transverse structural members=9a of the structural framework-by mounts illustratedin Figure 3A. Hangers l l lzfor the'bus barsSS, 96; and 91; see Figure 3A,,,arez=provided-twith a-threaded upper end which; is adaptedto receive mounting nuts msto: secure: thevertical. strap members, such; as: 106, I 0.1: and; H19; andlto electrically connect'them: tothezhangersi'l H. It will be noted that dielectric sleevesrllll; similar to the sleeve 64 describediin connection with the arrangement of Figure 9, insulates these" current-carrying members from the structural members 9a The lower-orhook endiportions'ofeachhanger Ill maybe secured or brazed to provide a suitable The electrical" distribution to I busbars"95, 96'; and BIi's'efiectedby main bus bar Hi5 (see particularly Figure 3) transversely-' electrical connection with the bus bars 95, 96, or

Referring particularly to Figure 12, it will be seen that the upper electrodes I I3 are secured at their opposite ends on bus bars 96 and 91 by vertical extension hangers I I2 and I I4 which are integral with a substantially transversely-extending support piece or member H3a. A convoluted, open-network, spring-like member H5 is secured or welded on one side to the member H311 to form a housing for electrode elements, such as balls H6, see Figure 3. It will be noted in Figures 3 and 11 that the balls I I6 which may be of anode metal for an electroplating operation, extend along their housing in a closely abutting and contacting relationship with respect to the housing and respect to each other. The outer open ends of the housing of the electrode H3 preferably extends slightly above the fluid level of the bath, see the dotted line of Figure 3, so that the additional electrode elements H6 may be added as needed, see Figure 8, from above the bath. The opposite or lower end of the electrode H3 converges or is provided with a stop portion for the shapes or elements, such as H6.

Referring particularly to Figures l3, l4, and 15, the lower electrodes I 2| are hung by vertical extension hangers I20 from the bus bars 95. The hanger I20 is integral with a transversely-extending support member I2Id which is shown provided with a collar I23 at its other end and a perforated funnel I24 secured thereto or formed as an integral part thereof. An opennetwork, spring-like portion or housing member I22 converges or is closed by a stop portion adjacent the hanger I20 at its lower end and is open at its upper end adjacent the collar I23 to receive electrode elements introduced into the funnel-like, perforated portion or member I24. The higher end of the electrode I2I is supported from the floor of the container I by a vertical framework I25, see particularly Figure 15, which at its upper end is welded or secured to the collar I23 and at its lower end is secured in dielectric mounts I26 that extend from the bottom of the container I. Although the perforated funnelshaped portion or member I24 of the lower electrode I2! is shown positioned below the level of the bath, additional or replacement electrode elements such as H6, may be dropped into it through and from the top of the bath, as indicated particularly in Figure 8.

In Figures 16, 1'7, 18, 19 and 20, I have shown modified forms of electrodes. In figure 16, an electrode I35 (which may be a lower electrode) is of a somewhat similar construction to the electrode I2I of Figure 14, except that its hanger I30 is threaded along its length to receive a wing nut I34 and is secured to a collar I3I which forms a housing for a tension spring I32. The extending support portion or member I35a is of rod-like form and is threaded at its upper end to also receive a wing nut I34. Wing nuts I34 are employed to hold down a positioning plate I33 which may be adjusted to provide a desired degree of tension or spring force upon the balls H6. To add additional balls H6, the wing nut I34 on the member or portion I 35a is removed and the plate I33 is swung about the hanger I30, in order that the spring I32 may be removed.

In Figure 1'7, I have shown a modified form of balls I I6 along the horizontal extent of the electrode housing. The weight I36 is provided with a hook I31, in order that it can be lifted out of the collar I3I' to insert additional electrode elements H6 therein. In the embodiment of Figures 16 and 1'7, the upper ends of the electrodes preferably extend above the level of the fluid in the container and their housings I22 may be of similar construction to the housing I22 of the embodiment of Figure 13.

In Figures 19 and 20, I have shown modified forms of electrodes for utilizing a different type of electrode element, such as II 6 of Figure 18. The elements II 6 are of a somewhat doughnut or flat-circular shape, and thus, can be slidably mounted on rod members.

In Figure 19, I have shown the electrode IZI as being hung at one end by a hanger I50 that is secured to a collar I5I. The support I25 for the other end of the electrode has a rodlike member I53 secured thereto and extending substantially centrally along the inside of the housing I22 of the electrode. The upper end of the rod I53 is threaded to receive a wing nut I54, and also receives a plate I55 and a tension spring I56. The wing nut, plate I55, and spring I56 are removed to add additional electrode elements H6.

The embodiment of Figure 20 is constructed somewhat similar to that of figure 19, except that the housing I22 is omitted and the electrodes are carried entirely by a hanger rod I50. The hanger rod I50 is threaded intermediate its ends to receive a wing nut I54, and also receives positioning plates I55a and IE5?) and a tension spring I56. The hanger rod I50 extends the full length of the electrode and is securely mounted upon the member I 25 that also provides an abutment end or stop for the electrode elements I I6.

What I claim is:

1. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating and advancing a series of work articles in a transversely-horizontally extending relationship longitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatment solution therein, wherein a frame structure is positioned to extend longitudinally along and above the tank, an upper set and a lower set of transversely-horizontally extending electrodes are positioned within and along the tank, and the upper and lower sets of electrodes are in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to define a longitudinal path of movement for the work articles therebetween along the tank, the combination of a pair of vertically spaced-apart upper and lower shafts operatively mounted on one longitudinal end of the frame structure to extend transversely thereacross, a second pair of vertically spaced-apart upper and lower shafts operatively mounted on an opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure to extend transversely thereacross, the lower shafts of said pairs being mounted adjacent a top portion of the tank and. above the treatment solution therein; a pair of inner and outer longitudinally-extending bus bars along one longitudinal side of the tank and a similar pair along an opposite longitudinal side of the tank, means suspending the outer bus bars of said pairs from the frame structure closely adjacent to and transversely between vertical planes representing longitudinal side walls of the tank, means suspending the inner bus bar of each of said pairs in a transversely-inwardly spaced relationship with respect to the outer bus bar of the same. pair, outer hangers: projecting downwardly from' said outerbusbars and connected toouterv ends of? the lower setof electrodes, inner hangcrsspaced. transversely inwardly from said outer hangers and projectingdownwardly from said inner bus: bars and connected'to outer ends of the upper set of electrodes; a. pair of chain sprockets mounted in a transversely spacedapart relationship on each. of" said. shafts, one sprocket of each of said: pairs being positioned in a vertical. plane that represents transverse spacing between said' inner and: outer hangers and between the inner and outer bus bars. of one. of said pairs, the other sprocket of each of said: pairs being. positioned in; a vertical plane that represents transverse spacing between said inner and outer hangersv andbetweeni the inner and outer'bus bars of the other of said pairs; a conveyor chain meshing. with one chain sprocket ofl each of said pairs and a second conveyor chain meshing with the other chain sprocket of eachof said pairs said lower shafts and their associated sprockets defining a lower flight of said conveyor chains. and said upper shaftsand their associated sprocket pairs de fining an upper flightof' said conveyor chains; the'upper an'd'lower shafts of each of'said pairs and their associated sprocket pairs defining vertical. flights. of" said conveyor chains; means for actuating at: least one of said chain sprocket pairs; a pair of continuous bus bar loops, means positioning: one" of said bus bar loops along one longitudinal side: of the frame structure and about one of: said conveyor chains, means positioning the other of said bus bar loops along an opposite longitudinal. side of the frame structure: and about. the other of said conveyor chains; a seriesofwork-holding'armpairs; one arm of each of said arm pairs being carried by one of said conveyor chains to project vertically-outwardly therefrom, the other arm of each of said arm pairs being carried by the other of said conveyor chains to project vertically-outwardly therefrom in transverse alignment with the other arm of the same pair and carry a transversely-extending work article therewith, a slide bore portion on each of said work-holding arms, the slide bore portion of one'work-holding arm of each of said pairs being slidably'clamped on one bus bar loop of said pair of bus bar loops for movement therealong and the slide bore portion of the other workholding arm of each of said pairs being slidably clamped on the other" bus bar loop of said pair of bus bar loops for movement therealong, and the arms of said arm pairs carried by the lower flight of said conveyor chains projecting downwardly into the tank along the vertical planes that represent transverse, spacing between said innerand outer hangers and between said pairs of inner'andouterbus'bars to support and move holding. arms along the. other vertical flight of said conveyor chains; said actuating means being connected to move said first and second mentioned conveyor mechanisms in synchronism with said conveyor chains; a pair of transversely spaced-apart cams mounted on the one longitudinal end of the frame structure in the path of movement of the work-holding arm pairs carried by the one vertical flight of said conveyor chains to flex said arm pairs outwardly to receive a work article from said first-mentioned conveyor mechanism, and a similar pair of cams'mounted' 0n the opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure in the path of movement of the work-holding arm pairs carried by the other vertical flight of said conveyor chains to flex each of said arm pairs outwardly and discharge a work article to. said second-mentioned conveyor mechanism.

3. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating" and advancing a series of work articles in a transversely-horizontally extending relationship longitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatment solution therein,

wherein a frame structure is positioned to extend longitudinally along and above the tank and electrodes are positioned within and along the tank to define a-longitudinal. path of move.- ment for the work articles along the tank, the

- combination of a pair of continuous conveyor mounted on one conveyor chain and the other arm mounted on the other conveyor chain in a transversely-horizontallyspaced-apart and aligned. relationship with respect to each other, each arm of each of said arm pairs having a vertically-outwardly extending flexible portion, each of said extending flexible portions of each arm pair having a pin to engage an end portion of a work article and support the Work article transversely-horizontally between the arms'of said arm pair; a continuous bus bar loop carried by the frame structure along a longitudinal side thereof and extending about one of said conveyor chains and a second continuous bus bar loop carried bythe frame structure along an opposite longitudinal side thereof and extending about the other of said conveyor chains; one arm of each of said work-holding arm pairs having a slotted clamping contact portion operativelymounted for continuous sliding contacting movement along one of said bus bar loops-and the other arm of each of said arm pairs having a slotted clamping contact portion operatively mounted for sliding contact movement alongthe other of said bus bar loops; and" actuating: means operatively connected to said conveyor chains for moving them: in synchronism with each other.

4'. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating. and advancing" a series ofwork articles in a transversely-horizontally extending relation-- ship longitudinally along and within. a longitudinal tank having a treatment solution therein, wherein a frame structure is positioned to extend longitudinally along and above the tank and electrodes are positioned within and along the tank to define a longitudinal path of move-- ment for'the workarticles along the tank; the combination of a. continuous conveyor mechanism: operatively" positionedabove and longiarms carried by said conveyor apparatus in a longitudinally spaced-apart progression therealong and extending vertically outwardly from said conveyor mechanism, the work-holding arms of each of said pairs being in a transversely-horizontally spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other to carry a work article therebetween, said conveyor mechanism having a lower flight adjacent to and longitudinally along an upper portion of the tank, the work holding arm pairs of said lower flight projecting downwardly into the tank; at least one continuous bus bar loop mounted on the frame structure and extending about said conveyor mechanism; and a work-holding arm of each of said pairs having a slotted clamping-contact portion slidably mounted on said bus bar loop for continuous contacting movement therealong during the continuous movement of said conveyor mechanism.

5. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating and advancing a series of work articles in a transversely-horizonta11y extending relationship longitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatment solution therein, wherein a frame structure is positioned to extend longitudinally along and above the tank, an upper and lower series of transversely-horizontally extending electrodes are positioned within and along the tank, and the upper and lower series of electrodes are in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to define a longitudinal path of movement for the work articles along the tank, the combination of a pair of verticallyoutwardly projecting supporting arm pairs for each work article, the arms of each of said arm pairs being in a transversely-horizontally opposed and spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other to support ends of a work article therebetween, a continuous chain mechanism operatively carried by the frame structure above the tank and having a lower flight carrying said arm pairs and the work articles supported thereby in series progression within the tank and along the longitudinal path of movement between the upper and lower series of electrodes, means protecting said arm pairs from the treating solution of the tank, means continuously applying electric current of one potential through the arms of said arm pairs internally within the supported ends of each Work article, outer hangers extending verticallydownwardly from the frame structure in a transversely-outwardly spaced-apart relationship with respect to the arms of said arm pairs and into the tank, said outer hangers being connected to the lower series of electrodes to supply electric current of opposite potential thereto; inner hangers extending verticallydownwardly from the frame structure in a transversely-inwardly spaced-apart relationship with respect to the arms of said arm pairs and into the tank, said inner hangers being connected to the upper series of electrodes tosupply the current of opposite potential thereto; the transversely spaced-apart relationship of said outer and inner hangers with the arms of said arm pairs providing an unobstructed vertical path for movement of said arm pairs.

LESLIE E LANCY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 986,303 Miller Mar. 7, 1911 1,168,281 Buch Jan. 18, 1916 1,336,052 Pinger Apr. 6, 1920 1,765,706 Stewart et al June 24, 1930 1,789,596 Potthoff Jan. 20, 1931 1,868,052 Dubpernell July 19, 1932 2,428,141 Burkhardt Sept. 30, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 471,260 Germany Feb. 7, 1929

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