US4238310A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for electrolytic etching
Assignee: RTX Corp
•
Filing: 1979-10-03
•
Granted: 1980-12-09
•
Expires: 1999-10-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for electrolytically etching a precision groove pattern in a metal workpiece. A concave shaped shield having a small aperture contains the electrode. The shield diverts gases evolved at the upward facing workpiece away from the electrode while still allowing circulation of electrolyte about the electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas A. Eckler
- 👤 Brian A. Manty
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:11
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23H; B23H9/00; B23H9/06; C; C25; C25F; C25F7/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S204/00; Y10S204/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
In apparatus for electrolytically etching a precision groove pattern in a metal workpiece using a vessel, an electrode and means for applying alternating electric potential between the electrode and the workpiece, the improvement comprising: a shield of non-conductive material, capable of being interposed between the workpiece and the electrode, having: a horizontally disposed base plate containing an aperture, the aperture having small dimensions compared to the base plate and the workpiece, a concave shape of sufficient dimension to contain the electrode, the shape being adapted to divert passage toward the electrode of gases generated at the workpiece, a shape which allows circulation of electrolyte through the aperture, to avoid stagnation and heating of electrolyte contained within the concavity of the shield, means for fixedly holding the shield between the electrode and the workpiece, and means for holding the electrode within the shield concavity, so that a current distribution is achieved at the workpiece which promotes uniformity of depth of etching.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
In apparatus for electrolytically etching a precision groove pattern in a metal workpiece using a vessel, an electrode and means for applying alternating electric potential between the electrode and the workpiece, the improvement comprising: a shield of non-conductive material, capable of being interposed between the workpiece and the electrode, having: a horizontally disposed base plate containing an aperture, the aperture having small dimensions compared to the base plate and the workpiece, a concave shape of sufficient dimension to contain the electrode, the shape being adapted to divert passage toward the electrode of gases generated at the workpiece, a shape which allows circulation of electrolyte through the aperture, to avoid stagnation and heating of electrolyte contained within the concavity of the shield, means for fixedly holding the shield between the electrode and the workpiece, and means for holding the electrode within the shield concavity, so that a current distribution is achieved at the workpiece which promotes uniformity of depth of etching.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for maintaining the electrolyte at a temperature below 20° C.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-09 | 1984-06-09 | 1984-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-09 | 1988-06-09 | 1988-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-09 | 1992-06-09 | 1992-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |