US4491500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for refinement of metal surfaces
Assignee: Rem Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1984-02-17
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Granted: 1985-01-01
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Expires: 2004-02-17
Abstract
Abstract Metal surfaces are refined, by the process of the invention, to high levels of smoothness in relatively short periods of time. A liquid substance is utilized to produce a conversion coating on the surface of the parts being treated, which are agitated, while being continuously wetted by the substance, in a mass finishing unit. Abrasive action causes the relatively soft coating to be removed from the high points of the surface, while leaving substantially intact the coating on the lower surface areas, with the coating being continuously repaired over metal exposed during operation. Fillage of the finishing unit container ensures efficient agitation and continuous oxygenation of the liquid substance, thereby maintaining a desirable rate of reaction and a high rate of surface leveling.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark D. Michaud
- 👤 Robert G. Michaud
- 👤 Frank Tirendi
- 👤 Robert G. Zobbi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:49
CPC Classifications
C; C23; C23C; C23C22/00; C23C22/73
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
In a process for refining hard metal surfaces, the steps comprising: A. introducing into the container of a mass finishing unit a mass of elements comprised of a quantity of objects with hard metal surfaces having a finish of arithmetic average roughness in excess of about 15; B. wetting said mass of elements with a liquid substance capable of reaction, under oxidizing conditions, to chemically convert the metal of said surfaces to a substantially stable film of substantially reduced hardness; C. rapidly agitating said mass of elements while maintaining said surfaces in a wetted condition with said substance, said agitation producing relative movement and abrasive contact among said elements and producing continuous oxygenation of said liquid substance; and D. controlling the reactivity of said substance and the intensity of agitation of said mass so as to maintain said film on said metal surfaces at least at the level of visual perceptibility, said agitating step being continued to produce on said metal surfaces a finish of arithmetic average roughness value less than about 14.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a process for refining hard metal surfaces, the steps comprising: A. introducing into the container of a mass finishing unit a mass of elements comprised of a quantity of objects with hard metal surfaces having a finish of arithmetic average roughness in excess of about 15; B. wetting said mass of elements with a liquid substance capable of reaction, under oxidizing conditions, to chemically convert the metal of said surfaces to a substantially stable film of substantially reduced hardness; C. rapidly agitating said mass of elements while maintaining said surfaces in a wetted condition with said substance, said agitation producing relative movement and abrasive contact among said elements and producing continuous oxygenation of said liquid substance; and D. controlling the reactivity of said substance and the intensity of agitation of said mass so as to maintain said film on said metal surfaces at least at the level of visual perceptibility, said agitating step being continued to produce on said metal surfaces a finish of arithmetic average roughness value less than about 14.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said mass of elements includes a quantity of mass finishing media.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the metal of said object surfaces is selected from the group consisting of iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, titanium, and alloys thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said stable film is comprised of at least one compound of said metal selected from the class consisting of the oxides, phosphates, oxalates, sulfates, and chromates thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said liquid substance contains, as an active conversion coating ingredient, a radical selected from the group consisting of the phosphate, oxalate, sulfate, and chromate radicals, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said substance additionally includes about 0.5 to 30 percent, based upon the weight thereof, of an effective amount of oxidizing agent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said substance has a pH value of less than about 7.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said liquid substance is provided in an amount equal to about 15 to 25 percent of the volume of said mass finishing unit container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said agitating step is continued for a period of less than about six hours.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said arithmetic roughness value produced is less than about 10.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 1 including the additional final step of removing said film from said metal surfaces.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said liquid substance comprises, as active conversion coating ingredients, a mixture of a tripolyphosphate and oxalic acid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 12 wherein said mixture comprises about 15 percent by weight of said tripolyphosphate and 85 percent by weight of oxalic acid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 12 wherein said formulation additionally includes an oxidizing agent.
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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) | 1988-01-01 | 1988-07-02 | 1989-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-01 | 1992-07-02 | 1993-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-01 | 1996-07-02 | 1997-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |