Abstract: A method and apparatus for electro-polishing surfaces of metal objects, which is immersionless and containerless, includes a simplified frame, a cathode mounted on the frame and adapted to be positioned a predetermined distance from the surface to be polished, and a sheet of liquid-retaining material positioned between the cathode and the surface to be polished. When the cathode is negatively charged, the anode is positively charged, and electrolytic bath is introduced to the liquid-retaining material, a circuit is completed between the cathode and anode and an electro-polishing action takes place on the anode. This material retains the electrolyte and allows the gases generated to escape. Various portable adaptations of the invention enhance its use for specific polishing operations.

Abstract: Means for and method of electro-polishing generally planar upright surfaces of relatively large areas on machine parts of various shapes and sizes. The means and method constitute improvements on the method and apparatus disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,459 dated Nov. 28, 1978. In a preferred embodiment the surface to be electro-polished is a pattern-free, directionless, abrasively finished metal surface. When such a surface is electro-polished in accordance with this invention the resulting polished surface is waveless, ripple-less and uniformly smooth in all directions so as to exhibit superior anti-stick and release properties. Such a surface is particularly suited for numerous purposes such as head box components for paper-making machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electro-polishing surfaces of metal objects, which is immersionless and containerless, includes a simplified frame, a cathode mounted on the frame and adapted to be positioned a predetermined distance from the surface to be polished, and a sheet of liquid-retaining material positioned between the cathode and the surface to be polished. When the cathode is negatively charged, the anode is positively charged, and electrolytic bath is introduced to the liquid-retaining material, a circuit is completed between the cathode and anode and an electro-polishing action takes place on the anode. This material retains the electrolyte and allows the gases generated to escape. Various portable adaptations of the invention enhance its use for specific polishing operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electro-chemical treating or electro-polishing the interior surfaces of a domed end, including an access port extending therefrom, of a large cylindrical vessel. For electro-polishing, the apparatus includes a cathode rod unit which is fastened to a mounting flange on the access nozzle such that the cathode thereof extends through the length of the nozzle in spaced relation to its interior surface. The cathode rod is insulated from the nozzle by a dielectric mounting disc positioned on the rod perpendicularly thereto. The external end of the cathode rod unit includes an electrical terminal to which direct current may be applied during electro-polishing. The external electrical terminal mounting lessens the amount of apparatus required to be inside the vessel during electro-polishing. The method for electro-polishing utilizes the cathode rod unit by mounting one of the same in each nozzle in one domed end before it is welded to a vessel body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using same are disclosed for electro-polishing large flat or slightly curved surfaces on metal objects. The apparatus includes a shallow structure for electro-polishing flat horizontal surfaces, and a thin deep structure for electro-polishing vertical surfaces. The structure may be a tank having a liquid bath therein for immersing therein the metal object to be electro-polished. If the object is too large to be immersed in a separate tank, a temporary liquid bath containing structure is built on and around the object such that the surface to be electro-polished forms a boundary of the liquid containing structure. In either embodiment, a movable electrode (cathode) is depended from the sides of the structure and includes an active portion thereof which is positioned parallel to and spatially related from at least a portion of the surface to be electro-polished.

Abstract: A dielectric processing chamber unit for use in electroprocessing large surface areas including electropolishing and electroplating. The processing chamber unit has an open face, an open top, a sealing strip, an electrolyte inlet and an electrode. The processing chamber unit is placed with its open face against a surface to be electroprocessed and an electrolyte is introduced into the chamber through the inlet. The inlet is located so that the entering electrolyte dislodges gas bubbles formed during electroprocessing and then both the electrolyte and gas leave the chamber through its open top.A method of electroprocessing a surface using such a processing chamber unit whereby a relatively small amount of electrolyte is used and recirculated during processing.

Abstract: A dielectric processing chamber unit for use in electroprocessing large surface areas including electropolishing and electroplating. The processing chamber unit has an open face, an open top, a sealing strip, an electrolyte inlet and an electrode. The processing chamber unit is placed with its open face against a surface to be electroprocessed and an electrolyte is introduced into the chamber through the inlet. The inlet is located so that the entering electrolyte dislodges gas bubbles formed during electroprocessing and then both the electrolyte and gas leave the chamber through its open top.A method of electroprocessing a surface using such a processing chamber unit whereby a relatively small amount of electrolyte is used and recirculated during processing.