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Computer controlled electropolishing system

  • US 4,935,865 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1988
  • Issued: 06/19/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An electropolishing system using a computer with display means, for control of a cell in which a specimen is electropolished using a selected electrolyte, a programmable power supply having an interface with the computer, the power supply being coupled to said cell to supply selected values of voltage to cause current flow through the cell which is sensed via the interface means, and program means which includes an electropolishing experiment program means for generating a characteristic curve for a given set of conditions;

  • wherein said electropolishing experiment program means includes means for entering the following parameters;

    starting voltage, ending voltage, voltage increment, current limit, current sampling interval, stirring setpoint, temperature setpoint, and temperature tolerance;

    command means for commanding the programmable power supply via said interface to output a voltage corresponding to said starting voltage;

    characteristic curve generating means for plotting a current versus voltage graph, including means for reading a first value of current via said interface, followed by current readings at time intervals equal to said current sampling interval, means for plotting each current reading as a point on said display means in real time, means executed after each current reading to determine if equilibrium conditions have been reached as indicated by successive current readings being equal within a given accuracy, the value then being designated as a settled current value, means effective once equilibrium has been achieved for a particular voltage for plotting a line on said display means representing the settled current value and for commanding the power supply to increase the voltage by said voltage increment;

    means for causing repeated operation of said characteristic curve generating means for each voltage increment until the voltage reaches said ending voltage;

    and means for aborting the experiment before said ending voltage is reached.

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