Electrical contact cleaner and method

• US 5,607,512 A
• Filed: 02/28/1994
• Issued: 03/04/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tender SA
• Original Assignee: Tender SA
• Inventors: Grout, Kenneth M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbaugh, Jan H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GRAY, ROBIN SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US08/204,464
• Time in Patent Office: 1,100 Days
• Field of Search: 134/2, 134/38, 134/40, 134/42, 134/6, 134/26, 134/39, 134/19, 134/20, 134/41, 252/170, 252/DIG. 8, 15/256.52, 15/104.94, 15/209.1, 15/437
• US Class Current: 134/6
• CPC Class Codes: B05C 17/002 with feed system for supplying material from an external source; Supply controls therefor B05C17/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/18 Hydrocarbons C11D3/164 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/571 Methods or arrangements for affording protection against corrosion; Selection of materials therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/002 Maintenance of line connectors, e.g. cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A method for maximizing electrical contact between contact surfaces, consisting essentially of a volatile cleaning agent and an oxidation occluding agent. The method uses an applicator device for cleaning and protecting electrical contact surfaces utilizing this composition.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning and coating electrical contact surfaces of members selected from the group consisting of batteries and battery mating contacts, comprising the steps of:

contacting said electrical contact surfaces with an applicator, said applicator comprising a housing defining a wicking reservoir holding a liquid cleaning composition therein, said composition comprising a volatile cleaning agent and an oxidation-occluding agent;

a porous, abrasive material in the form of a wick, said wick having a first portion in direct contact with said composition within said wicking reservoir for wicking said composition to a second portion of said wick protruding from an opening in said housing; and

a cap which interfits with said housing, said method including rubbing said second portion against said electrical contact surfaces to abrade said electrical contact surfaces and apply said composition to clean and coat said electrical contact surfaces, thereby enhancing electrical contact and connection between said contact surfaces.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said volatile cleaning agent is a hydrocarbon.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said hydrocarbon is a terpene.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said oxidation-occluding agent comprises a wax.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said wax is selected from the group consisting of Carnauba wax, Candelilla wax, and beeswax.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said oxidation-occluding agent comprises an oil.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said oxidation-occluding agent comprises a mixture of an oil and a wax.