US3658682A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrolyte supply system
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1968-07-01
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1988-07-01
Abstract
Abstract A recycling constant pressure pumping system for use in an electrochemical machining operation, where the constant pressure of the electrolyte is maintained and regulated by air pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Emmet Mitchell Fulkerson
- 👤 James Dair Andrews
- 👤 Kenneth Warner Stannard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:41
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23H; B23H3/00; B23H3/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A controlled flow electrolyte system for electrochemically machining a workpiece comprising: a drilling nozzle; an electrode located within said nozzle and adapted for connection to one terminal of a power supply; means for fixturing said workpiece in drill receiving relation to said nozzle wherein said workpiece is further adapted for connection to the other terminal of said power supply; a pressure tank for containing an electrolyte; air pressure means for supplying said pressure tank and adapted for maintaining constant pressure on said electrolyte within said tank; means for flowing said electrolyte from said pressure tank to said nozzle; a first container means for collecting said electrolyte after flowing past the workpiece; a second electrically isolated container spaced apart from said first container means; means for flowing said electrolyte between said first container means and said second container wherein said flowing means is adapted to preserve structural isolation between said first container means and said second container thereby maintaining the complete electrical isolation integrity of said second container from said first container even at high electrochemical maching voltages; and means for flowing said electrolyte from said second container to said pressure tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A controlled flow electrolyte system for electrochemically machining a workpiece comprising: a drilling nozzle; an electrode located within said nozzle and adapted for connection to one terminal of a power supply; means for fixturing said workpiece in drill receiving relation to said nozzle wherein said workpiece is further adapted for connection to the other terminal of said power supply; a pressure tank for containing an electrolyte; air pressure means for supplying said pressure tank and adapted for maintaining constant pressure on said electrolyte within said tank; means for flowing said electrolyte from said pressure tank to said nozzle; a first container means for collecting said electrolyte after flowing past the workpiece; a second electrically isolated container spaced apart from said first container means; means for flowing said electrolyte between said first container means and said second container wherein said flowing means is adapted to preserve structural isolation between said first container means and said second container thereby maintaining the complete electrical isolation integrity of said second container from said first container even at high electrochemical maching voltages; and means for flowing said electrolyte from said second container to said pressure tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the means for flowing the electrolyte from the first container means to the second container includes: a pump means; a first pipe means connected to the pump means for directing the flow of electrolyte into the second container, said pipe means being spaced apart from said second container thereby maintaining the electrical isolation of the second container at all voltages; a valve means placed within the pipe means for regulating the flow of electrolyte; and a second pipe means connected to the second container for redirecting the overflow of electrolyte from the second container back into the first container, said second pipe means being spaced apart from said first container thereby maintaining the electrical isolation of the second container at all voltages.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said air pressure means supplies a constant pressure of substantially greater magnitude than atmospheric pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the means for flowing the electrolyte from the pressure tank to the nozzle includes: a pipe means for directing the flow of electrolyte from the pressure tank to the nozzle; and a valve means for further regulating the rate of flow of electrolyte through the pipe means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the means for flowing the electrOlyte from the second container to the pressure tank includes: a pump means; a first pipe means connected to the pump means for directing the flow of electrolyte from the second container to the pressure tank; a second overflow pipe means for redirecting an overflow of electrolyte from the pressure tank to the second container; and an overflow valve means for regulating the rate of flow of electrolyte through the second pipe means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3475303A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |