New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Manufacture and Coating or Covering Various Metal Wares by Combined Electro Chemical and Mechanical Process.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 15th July, 1886.
Complete Left, 15th Apr., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 31st May, 1887.
New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Manufacture and
Coating or Covering Various Metal Wares by Combined Electro
Chemical and Mechanical Process.
I FRANK (FRANCIS EDWARD) ELMORE of 359 Clapham Road in the County of
Surrey Electrical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention has for its object the manufacture of various metal wares (such as
"tin-plate," "iron plate," galvanized sheeting and the like, also copper (or other
metal) coated sheet iron and other metal wares, compound wires and the like, for
instance an iron wire coated with copper or compositions thereof, the manufacture of
copper, zinc, tin or other metals in the form of sheets, wires or the like in a state of
extreme purity density, strength, and with highly polished or other finished surfaces
by the means hereinafter set forth.
In the case of the first mentioned substances as for instance the interior metallic
sheet, as the iron of tin plates is taken whether it is manufactured as hereinafter set
forth or not and is prepared to receive an adhesive metallic electro-deposit as is well
understood. This sheet metal is preferably in the form of a long band rather than as
short plates but it may be in the latter form; this band or. sheet is then to be drawn
or passed into a bath properly composed to give a good deposit of the metal which it
is intended to deposit and whilst being so drawn or passed through the electrolyte,
contained in the bath, over rollers or otherwise, it is submitted to the action of the
electric current and simultaneously therewith it passes through an arrangement of
pieces of glass, bloodstone, agate or like substances which shall be suitably arranged
as to position and pressure to have a burnishing action on the metallic surface being
deposited. Of these arrangements there may be any number according to the
thickness of deposit required or according to the electrolyte and current density used.
Such burnishing devices may operate as the metal band or sheet passes over the
rollers so as to only burnish one side at a time, or it may act independently of the
rollers and burnish both sides at the same time and point. The burnishers may be
stationary or may travel at right angles, or otherwise to the direction of traverse of
the plate or band.

page_text: When wires or the like are being coated these burnishing devices may be made as
dies so arranged that each successive die through which the deposited wire passes
shall be of bore of increased area to allow for the increased diameter or size of the
wire which is being constantly built up in the bath by the copper or other metal
deposited upon it whilst the process is in operation. There may be employed a
burnishing device made of a number of pieces of glass or stones to revolve round the
wire said stones being disposed in radial position to the section of the wire.
When it is required to manufacture continuous lengths of metal, as sheet, wire or
the like entirely by this process a depositing band sheet or drum of lead or like metal
or alloy or of other metal prepared to receive a non adhesive deposit as is well under-
stood is used said band sheet or drum being arranged to revolve move or vibrate
in a bath of suitable electrolyte. For wires and the like, grooves or slots are
made on the surface of the drum and the other parts are insulated or otherwise
prepared so as not to receive a deposit and such drum sheet or band is to receive
a commencing deposit sufficiently thick to allow of its being handled without
injury.
This deposit is to be cut across at right angles to the direction of rotation or
motion and is by suitable means drawn through a burnishing device as herein
before described and such device is also intended to convert the section of wires,
for instance, from square section (where it is advisable to so deposit them in
grooves) or other section to round or other section and the speed of the depositing
sheet drum or band and quantity of current supplied to such sheet drum or band
and the quantity of current and the duration of its stay in the bath after its
being unwound from the drum sheet or drum is so arranged as to produce a
finished (polished) wire, plate or the like as it leaves the depositing bath.
After being washed and dried the object of the burnishing arrangement herein
before described is to convert the crystaline structure natural to electro deposited
metals into a tough fibrous structure parallel to the direction of motion of the
plate as regards the pressure of the burnisher or vice versa such burnishing action
affecting the whole thickness of the deposit and at the same time effecting any
desired change in the shape of the wire or strip of metal being made.
Dated 15th July 1886.
WALTER A. BARLOW,
6, St. Paul's Churchyard, London, E.C.,
Agent for Frank Elmore.

page_text: I, FRANK (FRANCIS EDWARD) ELMORE of 359 Clapham Road in the County of
Surrey Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
"6
This invention has for its object the manufacture of various metal wares (such as
tinplate," "ironplate" galvanized sheeting and the like, also copper (or other
metal) coated sheet iron and other metal wares, compound wires and the like, for
instance an iron wire coated with copper or compositions thereof, the manu-
facture of copper, zinc, tin or other metals in the form of sheets, wires or
the like in a state of extreme purity density, strength, and with highly polished
or other finished surfaces) by the means hereinafter set forth. In the case of the
first mentioned substances as for instance the interior metallic sheet, as the iron
of the plates is taken whether it is manufactured as hereinafter set forth or not, and is
prepared to receive an adhesive metallic electro-deposit as is well understood. This
sheet metal is preferably in the form of a long band rather than as short plates but it
may be in the latter form; this band or sheet is then to be drawn or passed into a
bath properly composed to give a good deposit of the metal which it is intended to
deposit and whilst being so drawn or passed through the electrolyte, contained in the
bath, over rollers or otherwise, it is submitted to the action of the electric current and
simultaneously therewith it passes through an arrangement of pieces of glass,
bloodstone, agate or like substances which shall be suitably arranged as to position and
pressure to have a burnishing action on the metallic surface being deposited. Of these
arrangements there may be any number according to the thickness of deposit required
or according to the electrolyte and current density used.
Such burnishing devices may operate as the metal band or sheet passes over the
rollers so as to only burnish one side at a time, or it may act independently of the rollers
and burnish both sides at the same time and point. The burnishers may be stationary or
may travel at right angles or otherwise to the direction of traverse of the plate or
When wires or the like are being coated these burnishing devices may be made
band.

page_text: as dies so arranged that each successive die through which the deposited wire passes
shall be of bore of increased area, to allow for the increased diameter or size of the
wire which is being constantly built up in the bath by the copper or other metal
deposited upon it whilst the process is in operation. There may be employed a
burnishing device made of a number of pieces of glass or stones to revolve round the
wire, said stones being disposed in radial position to the section of the wire.
When it is required to manufacture continuous lengths of metal, as sheet, wire
or the like entirely by this process a depositing band sheet or drum of lead or like
metal or alloy or other metal prepared to receive a non adhesive deposit as is well
understood is used said band, sheet or drum being arranged to revolve move or vibrate
in a bath of suitable electrolyte. For wires and the like, grooves or slots are made on
the surface of the drum and the other parts are insulated or otherwise prepared so as
not to receive a deposit, and such drum sheet or band is to receive a commencing
deposit sufficiently thick to allow of its being handled without injury. This deposit is
to be cut across at right angles to the direction of rotation or motion and is by suitable
means drawn through a burnishing device as herein before described and such device is
also intended to convert the section of wires, for instance, from square section (where
it is advisable to so deposit them in grooves) or other section, to round or other section
and the speed of the depositing sheet drum or band and quantity of current supplied
to such sheet drum or band and the quantity of current and the duration of its stay in
the bath after its being unwound from the drum sheet or drum is so arranged as to
produce a finished (polished) wire, plate or the like as it leaves the depositing bath.
After being washed and dried the object of the burnishing arrangement herein
before described is to convert the crystaline structure natural to electro-deposited
metals into a tough fibrous structure parallel to the direction of motion of the plate as
regards the pressure of the burnisher or vice versa such burnishing action affecting
the whole thickness of the deposit and at the same time effecting any desired change in
the shape of the wire or strips of metal being made.
In order that the invention may be readily understood I have hereunto annexed
four sheet of drawings and will refer to the same in the following more particular
description.
"
Fig. 1. sheet 1, shows in plan a tank and arrangement of apparatus for coating and
working two rows of "tin plates" or other metal sheets or plates, Fig. 2. is a
longitudinal section at line A. B. of Fig. 1.
In sheet 2. Fig. 3. is a transverse section at line C. D of Fig. 1. sheet 1. Figs. 4
and 5. show upon an enlarged scale a side elevation and transverse section
respectively taken at line E. F a portion of a traversing burnisher frame with
burnishers attached. Fig. 6. a plan view on enlarged scale of one of roller
carrier frames with rollers, shafts, and gear wheels. Figs. 6 and 8 also show position
and method of mounting anode and of insulating same from frames, and Figs. 7 and 8
are face views at G and H of the carrier frame Fig. 6. Fig. 8ª is a vertical section at
line I. K of Fig. 6. This part of the invention and this apparatus as applied to the
coating of iron plates, for the manufacture of "tin plate" is carried out as follows.
The iron plates after having been suitably prepared to receive an adhesive
electro-deposit as is well understood are fed down as required (preferably by an
automatic-feeder direct from the final washing or rinsing of the before mentioned
preparatory cleansing or pickling process) onto a feed table fixed to the side of
the depositing tank containing an electrolyte which will yield upon Electrolysis a
deposit of tin, they are then carried forward through the electrolyte by a series
of propelling or carrying discs or rollers made of glass, the bottom rollers being
flanged by means of an additional disc of a larger diameter being fitted on behind
the disc engaging the plate. These rollers are mounted in pairs upon horizontal
axles or rotating shafts revolving in bearings mounted on or attached to frames
or carriers fitted in the bath, said dises or rollers and their frames being placed
laterally at a distance apart from one another to suit the width of the plates under
treatment, so that the discs or rollers engage only with the two side edges of the plate

page_text: as they pass between them. The plate whilst being so propelled through the
electrolyte passes between pairs of anodes mounted above and below its path such
anodes are connected to a convenient source of electricity the plate also being
connected to the other pole of the same source by means of springs or clips pressing
continuously upon its edges during its progress through the tank. Between each pair
of anodes is a horizontal frame carrying a traversing burnisher device of polished
agate, glass or the like. The burnishers press upon the surface of the plate and are
reciprocated at right angles to the direction of traverse of the plate by means of the
before mentioned frame which will receive its motion from a crank pin and slotted arm
or it may be by cam and slot and link or otherwise, means being provided in the case of
the burnisher device shown in the drawing so that each stone shall only burnish the
surface in the direction that the arm carrying it inclines. The plate is propelled by
means of the disc before mentioned and a suitable number of the burnisher devices
are provided; the number of them and the length of the tank being governed by the
electrolyte employed, the current density, thickness of metal required to be deposited
and the speed at which the plate is passed through the bath.
In sheet 1 Figs. 1 and 2. A, is the depositing tank, a, the feed tables from whence
the plates are fed or passed to the first series of propelling discs b, b¹, shown more in
detail upon enlarged scale in Figs. 6, 7. 8 and 8. The lower discs b, are flanged by
screwing, clamping or otherwise fixing on to the shaft two discs of glass of different
diameter the larger disc serving as the flange. The axles or shafts c, upon which the
lower discs are mounted are carried in bearings formed upon the carrier frame d;
here shown as constructed for three sets or pairs (upper and lower) of such discs.
The upper discs 61, with their axles or shafts c¹, are mounted at the outer ends in
independant trunnion bearings e, (or ball and socket bearings) so as to allow the discs
to accomodate themselves to any slight irregularity in thickness or uneveness in the
plates, and so that the springs e², may be free to draw them down into tight contact
with the plate by which it propels it. The roller ends of shafts c¹, being carried in
bearing blocks e, and held down by springs e², to the bearings of the lower shaft c, as
shown in fig. 8. The upper and lower shafts are outside the bearings of their outer
ends geared up together by spur wheels f,f, and rotated by worms g, mounted on
shaft g', to which motion is imparted by bevil spur gear h h¹ (figs. 1. 2. 3.) from the
common driving shaft i. The plates in their progress through the tank from one
series or set to another are burnished by the burnishing apparatus such for instance as
is shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5. Pieces of Agate Bloodstone, glass or the like of a
suitable shape are mounted to bars j said bars being secured in holder k, and mounted
in pairs by stud or pin l, on either side of the top and bottom bars of the frame m, to
which frame m, a reciprocating motion is given by the crank pin n working in the
vertical slotted arm o of frame m. The frame m rests and rides upon the rollers p.
The holders k, are free to turn on the pin 1, and the bars are provided
at their extremities with suitable pawls or tripping pieces, so that said
bars (and consequently the burnishing stones) may be removed from contact
with the plate when traversing in a direction across the surface of the plate
contrary to the inclination at which they are intended to be doing duty such
disengagement being effected by the pawl or tripping piece j', coming in contact with
the inclined plan or projecting guide ³, which is provided above and below the
burnisher path as shown in figs. 4 and 5, so that one pair only of burnishers (of that
set) are in actual operation (above and below) whilst the frame m, traverses in either
direction. In the upper series of burnisher bars the pawl or tripping pieces j, are
counter weighted to effect the disengagement of the burnishers from the plate being
treated as the tripping pieces, fall and strike the projecting guide path,³ on their return
journey. In fig. 4. the solid line between the burnisher points indicates the plate
under treatment, by the dotted lines of said Fig. 4 is indicated the position of the two
set of burnisher points, (engaged and when disengaged) whilst the burnisher frame is
traversing in direction shown by the arrows. The pairs of burnishers are employed
so that one set of points may be in action on both the to and fro traverse of the

page_text: burnisher frame, whilst the other set is out of action. When the burnishers assume
the position shown in the full line at 4 and 5, and are drawn together by the weights
and springs, their points meet upon a small strip of felt or the like material to prevent
their injuring one another by the impact. The guide pullies p, are provided beneath
the frames m, to steady same, and several frames may be connected and secured one
to the other by tie bars m' of angle or Ụ iron.
The driving shaft i with driving pulley 9, the disc crank q', and crank pin nis
mounted in bearings on standards r, said standards serving also as bearings for the
worm shaft g' and are further connected by bars of angle iron s to afford a bearing on
either side for the upper guides of the burnishers. Motion is conveyed from the
shaft i, to one of the worm shafts g¹ by pullies t, t' or by gearing. The direction of
traverse of the plates is indicated by the arrows Figs. 1 and 7.
The small projections shown at the ends of the under burnisher rods j, are provided
as weights to give the burnisher stones a pressure on the plates, which pressure may
be adjusted by bringing said weight nearer to or further from the fulcrum pin 7.
This object is attained for the top burnishers by springs as shown which may also be
adjustable by providing a number of pins at varying distances from pin 1, to which
the said springs may be attached.
u are the anodes which are to be encased where such anodes are soluble, in a bag of
flannel, with lugs u¹ attached to framed, by insulated bolts and distance pieces v. The
anodes are connected to a rod or cable leading to the source of electricity by wires as
shown in Figs. 8 and 8ª. A metal brush or spring finger will be connected in circuit
and bear upon the plates under treatment so as to convey the current thereto. The
electrolyte will fill the tank sufficiently to cover the top anode u.
Apparatus is here shown for treating two rows of plates but there may be
constructed in one common tank apparatus to treat any number of rows of plates.
Continuous or long bands of metal may also be treated. It is to be understood that
after being burnished by the last burnisher in its passage through the tank the plate
is not to receive any further deposit so that it may leave the tank with a bright surface.
There may be employed as a modification of the burnisher here shown a plate through
which a number of pieces of agate or a like substance are mounted and project such
plate is to be backed by another stiff plate between which and the plate through
which the burnishers project is to be placed a cushion or cushions of india-rubber
which act as springs when the two plates are forced together by means of screws or the
like, such plates or frames being reciprocated one above and one below the plate
receiving treatment. It will be understood that the length of stroke of such
reciprocation in this case need only be of a length slightly greater, than the distance
between each of the stones projecting on to the plate under treatment measured in the
direction of traverse of the burnishing frame or plate.
Although this apparatus is herein referred to as for the coating of iron sheets with
tin it will be understood that it is applicable for a number of other purposes as for
instance the coating of iron with zinc and other metals, and by changing the
Electrolyte and anodes to that of the metal required to be deposited it is capable of
being used to deposit any metal upon any metal, and metals so deposited in such an
apparatus, that is which shall be submitted to successive deposits and burnishings will
be of a much more satisfactory character than ordinary electro deposits, inasmuch
as the metal so deposited will be of a solid fibrous structure instead of a loosely
crystaline structure natural to electro deposits, especially where such deposits are of
any considerable thickness and the deposited metal will be less likely to leave small
spots of the underlying metal uncovered and the surface of the metal will be bright
and smooth. Where it is desired to coat sheets of metal of various sizes in the same
apparatus the flanged discs here described may be replaced by plain rollers of glass of
a sufficient length to take the largest sized sheet which it is desired to coat.
To coat lengths of wire a similar apparatus is used except that the discs are
replaced by a number of grooved pullies or rollers of glass or a like substance between
or round which the wire passes and the burnishing apparatus here described is replaced

page_text: by revolving burnishers similar to those described in Figs. 18, 19. 20 and 21. On
sheet 4, such burnishers may also however have a reciprocating motion the same
as and contrary to the direction of traverse of the wire as well as a rotary
motion.
Figs. 9 and 10. Sheet 3. show in longitudinal section and plan respectively a tank
and apparatus arranged for the manufacture of continuous lengths of metal sheet.
Figs. 11 and 12. show on enlarged scale in elevation and transverse section respectively
the burnisher frame and burnishers and carrier.
A is the tank, b, are propelling rollers, 6', guide rollers, d is a continuous metal band
upon the face of which the preliminary metal deposit is produced. The inside of the
metal band will be painted with insulating material. e are shafts supporting and
driving the rollers b, said shaft being driven by pullies outside of tank as shown. The
shafts c, are passed through and supported by glands and stuffing boxes d, at one end
and supported at their other end in open bearings as shown. The anodes u, are shown
resting by lugs u¹, upon supports v, except the one anode resting upon the bottom
of tank. The burnishing device will be fitted substantially as indicated
The wire connections to the anodes are indicated clearly by the spiral wires on
Figs. 9 and 10. The electric connection to the band a, is made by a metal brush or
the like pressing upon a boss w, upon the shaft between the stuffing box and pulley as
shown. In the case where the rollers b, are of insulating material a metal ring is to
be fixed round the end thereof, on which band a, will run and a wire will be connected
from such ring to the shaft c, but when a deposited sheet, of sufficient length to
reach to the winding roller y, has been obtained the connection may be established,
with the band a, by means of such deposit.
In Figs. 11 and 12 are shown the burnishers supported on the guide bars m, the
burnisher carrier slide k, being shown diagramatically in Fig. 11. operated by chain
carried round rollers and operated by change motion to give the requisite reciprocating
motion to the burnisher. The pressure of the burnisher is obtained and may be
regulated, by means of the barrel spring and screw as shown. When the tank
has been filled above the level of the top arrows on fig. 9, with an electrolyte
of the metal desired to be deposited and a current of electricity passed so
as to deposit upon band a, which has been previously prepared to receive a non-
adhesive deposit, as is well understood said band simultaneously therewith being moved
around by rollers b, and burnishers j, at same time burnishing surface of band whilst
deposition is going on. This is continued until a sufficiently stout deposit has been
obtained to bear handling, when such deposit is to be cut across from one side of
band a, to the other, that is, at right angles to the direction of traverse of belt. The
lower free end of such deposit is to be by means of cords (or other convenient means)
led onto the first guide roller 6', and from thence as it unwinds itself or is drawn from
the band it is led successively between and over the three layers of anodes during
which traverse there is being continuously added metal by deposit from the anodes
above and below it. It will be seen that this provides means for the manufacture
of long continuous lengths of metal sheet, as by the time that the band a, has traversed
once round to the point at which the primary deposit was first divided, the deposit
will again have become thick enough to draw off continuously and so it may be
carried on almost indefinately.
In Sheet 4 is illustrated the modification of this Invention for production of
continuous lengths of wire or the like. Figs. 13 and 14 being respectively
plan views and elevation, partially in section, and Fig. 14ª view of drum partially
in section.
Figs. 15, 16 and 17 are details of the stationary burnisher or drawing dies.
Figs. 18, 19. 20 and 21 show details of revolving burnisher and mounting of same.
The drum b, will in this construction be the recipient of the initial deposit, the surface
of said drum. being of lead or like metal or alloy and grooved to width and depth
required for the wire to be produced.
The cross frame 1, of the tank A, supports the axle g, of the drum and the said axle

page_text: carries worm wheels g', driven from worm g². The inner circles of anodes u, are
supported in angle iron frames 2, said frames also supporting rollers 6'. Three of these
rollers are driven from the pulley 3, on shaft g, by pulley and band. The shafts of
these driven rollers are provided with bevil gearing 4, and drive the counter shafts
on which are mounted gear wheels 5. These wheels 5, are in train with the two rows of
revolving burnishers 6. 7 is a corresponding set of leading off rollers from whence
the strands will be led to the winding drums or reels (not shown). a indicates the
strands of the initial deposit leading off from the drum v to and through a set of
stationary burnishers or draw dies 8 thence to the first driven roller to and through
revolving burnishers 5, thence to the second driven roller and on to the other
conducting rollers 6, and so on to the third driven rollers whence the strands
are led to and through the second set of revolving burnishers 6 to the leading off
rollers 7.
The outside set of anodes u¹ are mounted on a ring 9 carried on brackets 10 secured
to the upper edge of the tank.
The revolving burnisher consists of a tooth wheel 6 formed as a boxing to receive
the burnisher points and springs and fitted with a neck or trunnion flange. The
flanges Fig. 18 are provided with distance pieces 12 serving as bearings for the
neck 11, these burnishers are driven as before described or conveniently.
The wire under treatment or production will be lead between the converging
burnisher points 6ª which are pressed towards the common centre by springs
as shown or by blocks of india-rubber. The cover plate 6b will enclose the burnishers
and springs.
The details of the stationary burnishers or draw plates are clearly shown in the
Figs. 15. 16 and 17:-the lower plates 13, are fixed and the springs 14, hold the top
plate of the die down to the bottom plate.
Fig. 14 shows section of the grooved surface of the drum with insulating material.
The operation of this apparatus is similar to that of the Figs. 9 and 10, for making
sheet metal that is connection is made from the negative pole of a convenient source
of electricity to drum b, whose surface is entirely insulated except at the grooves into
which the metal is deposited. This inital deposit is in section somewhat oval and to
convert this to a more perfectly circular section the ends of the strands when they
have been separated will be led first to the stationary dies (figs. 15. 16. 17) the draw
hole of which is shaped as shown that is it tapers from an oval hole on the entry side
to a circular hole on the exit or delivery side, and thence through the revolving
burnishers (which may also have a reciprocating motion in and contrary to the direction
of traverse of the wire) and so round between the inner and outer circle of anodes and
through the second revolving burnisher and out of the tank by the small guide rollers
as shown.
In reference to the manufacture of sheet metal, wire, and the like a larger number
of burnishing devices may be employed than is shown in the above drawings either
simultaneously or intermittently with the electro deposition.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is.
Firstly. The improved means and apparatus for the manufacture or coating of sheet
metal, wire, or sheets of metal by electro-deposition, together with the burnishing of
the said wares as and for the purpose herein set forth and described in reference to and
shown by the respective figures of the drawings.
Secondly. In the manufacture or coating of sheets of metal as set forth, the burnishing
of the said sheets on both sides and from edge to edge of the sheets in a continuous
process with the electro-deposition whilst the said sheets are conducted through the
electro-depositing tank as herein set forth.
Thirdly. In the process of manufacture or coating of continuous lengths of wire by
electro deposition of metal, the revolving or reciprocating or stationary burnishers,
constructed and operating as and for the purpose herein set forth.

page_text: Fourthly. In the process
of manufacture of continuous lengths of sheet metal by
electro deposition, the employment of a traversing burnisher or burnishers operating
to change the crystaline character of the deposit and to finish the surface of the
electro deposited metal as herein specified.
Fifthly. In the process of manufacture of continuous lengths of sheet metal or
wire as set forth the employment of an endless band surface a, or a continuous
drum surface 6 of lead, or coated with lead, or an alloy of that metal, for receiving
the inital deposit as and for the purpose herein set forth and shown by the
drawings.
WALTER A. BARLOW,
6, St. Paul's Churchyard, London,
Agent for F. Elmore.