Apparatus for selectively coating metal parts
US5750014A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25D17/02
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for simultaneously anodizing the heads of several aluminum pistons includes a plating tank with an array of apertures extending through one side wall, one aperture for each piston; a fixture on the wall providing a cylindrical bore aligned with each aperture adapted to receive a piston; and a plurality of actuators which, when pivoted and locked into alignment with the fixture bores, operate to secure individual pistons in their respective apertures. A masking/sealing assembly within each fixture bore ensures that each aperture is sealed upon the securing of a piston therein, with only the piston's head and peripheral land being placed in fluid communication with the interior of the plating tank. A remote storage tank provides a supply of an electrolyte which is circulated by a fluid supply network between the storage tank and the thus-sealed plating tank during electrolysis. After the desired coating is achieved, the electrolyte is drained from the tank. A supply of rinse water is then directed through the plating tank to rinse any remaining electrolyte from the pistons, whereupon the actuators are retracted and pivoted free, and the coated pistons are removed from th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.