Patent ID: 7722745
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
1. An electroplating apparatus for coating a plurality of hermetic connectors, each hermetic connector having a plurality of metallic contact elements embedded into an electrical connector insulator wherein said insulator is encased in a metallic cylindrical outer body, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of jet cells for receiving the hermetic connectors, wherein each jet cell is configured to hold and to discharge an electrolyte into the jet cell for electroplating a portion of the metallic contact elements; a containment tank having a circulation arrangement to provide circulation of the electrolyte through said plurality of jet cells by means of a pump connected to a plurality of pipes and valves; an anode positioned within said containment tank and connected to a positive electrode of a power supply for conducting an electric current through the electrolyte; a plurality of conducting devices mounted on a support plate and connected to a negative electrode of the power supply for providing the electric current to each of the hermetic connectors, wherein each of said plurality of conducting devices is positioned along its vertical center axis in coaxial alignment with each of the hermetic connectors; and a linear actuator for vertically engaging said plurality of conducting devices on the metallic contact elements.