Automatic analyzer and control system for electroplating baths

Patent 4326940 Issued on April 27, 1982. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 21, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2149344

3654113

3658676

3901653

Process control system for the automatic analysis and regeneration of galvanic baths
Patent #: 4055751
Issued on: 10/25/1977
Inventor: Bussmann , et al.

Method for evaluating the quality of electroplating baths
Patent #: 4132605
Issued on: 01/02/1979
Inventor: Tench , et al.

Method for evaluating a system for electrodeposition of metals
Patent #: 4146437
Issued on: 03/27/1979
Inventor: O'Keefe

Method of automatic control and optimization of electrodeposition conditions
Patent #: 4153521
Issued on: 05/08/1979
Inventor: Litvak , et al.

Automatic chemical analyzer Patent #: 4155978
Issued on: 05/22/1979
Inventor: Naono , et al.

Inventors

Assignee

ROHCO Incorporated

Application

No. 06/040505 filed on 05/21/1979

US Classes:

204/232, Cells with electrolyte treatment means118/688, Responsive to condition of coating material118/689, Concentration of coating material in carrier medium204/406, With significant electrical circuitry or nominal computer device422/62, Automatic analytical monitor and control of industrial process422/70, Liquid chromatography422/81, Automated system with sample fluid pressure transport means427/345, Coating material recirculation or regeneration427/8, MEASURING, TESTING, OR INDICATING702/25Liquid mixture (e.g., solid-liquid, liquid-liquid)

Examiners

Primary: Kaplan, G. L.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Maky, Renner, Otto & Boisselle

International Classes

C25D 21/12 (20060101)
C25D 21/14 (20060101)
G01N 1/00 (20060101)

Abstract

The invention provides an on-stream method and apparatus for analyzing of the concentrations of chemical components in a bath, especially in an electroplating bath, contained in one or more processing tanks. Moreover, the information obtained by such analysis of a single bath or of multiple baths may be efficiently employed to control such concentrations in the bath or respective baths, for example, by controlling the addition of one or more additives. The apparatus comprises a multi-steam sampling value and a computer for controlling the operation of said value. The computer also controls means for adding material to the baths in order to maintain the parameters thereof.