Abstract: A procedure and machine for cleaning the anodes of electrolytic tanks, said procedure comprising the operations of mechanically breaking the deposits on the surfaces of the anodes, detaching and separating the deposits, once broken, and then subjecting the plate of the anodes to a flattening operation. The procedure is carried out with a machine which includes at least one pair of cutting rollers (1), nozzles for supplying jets of water under pressure (2) situated above said rollers (1), two flattening plates (3) with flat opposing surfaces, and means of suspending and raising the anodes (13) between the rollers (1), nozzles (2) and plates (3). The plates (3) may be provided on their opposing surfaces with cutting grooves.

Abstract: A cathode for the electrolytic deposition of non-ferrous metals has a plate (1) which, starting from at least one of its vertical edges, is provided on both sides with coinciding zones (5) of dielectric material. The dielectric material is located where a number of penetrators that cause the upper edges of the deposited layers of zinc to detach contact the plate. The plate (1) is provided with a slot (7) that coincides with upper regions of the dielectric material. The slot has a flat piece (5) of dielectric material in it, equal in thickness to the plate (1) and with surfaces which are flat and coplanar with those of the plate (1). The piece (5) and the slot (7) are provided with mutually cooperating portions that prevent the movement of the piece in any direction.