Electrical contact cleaner

• US 5,661,869 A
• Filed: 11/13/1996
• Issued: 09/02/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tender SA
• Original Assignee: Tender SA
• Inventors: Grout, Kenneth M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/748,283
• Time in Patent Office: 293 Days
• Field of Search: 134/2, 134/38, 134/40, 134/42, 134/6, 134/26, 134/39, 134/19, 134/20, 134/41, 134/201, 15/256.52, 15/104.94, 15/209.1, 15/437, 15/210.1, 401/198, 401/202
• US Class Current: 15/209.1
• 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 composition is disclosed for maximizing electrical contact between contact surfaces, consisting essentially of a volatile cleaning agent and an oxidation occluding agent. Also disclosed are applicator devices and methods for cleaning and protecting electrical contact surfaces utilizing this composition.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning electrical contact surfaces of members selected from the group consisting of batteries and battery mating contacts, the apparatus comprising:

a housing defining a wicking reservoir;

a liquid composition comprising a volatile cleaning agent and an oxidation-occluding agent;

an abrasive wicking material having a first portion in direct contact with said composition and a second portion protruding from an opening in said housing; and

a cap which interfits with said housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said volatile cleaning agent is a hydrocarbon.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said hydrocarbon is a terpene.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said oxidation-occluding agent comprises a wax.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said wax is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and beeswax.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said oxidation-occluding agent comprises an oil.

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