Method and apparatus for anodizing objects
First Claim
1. An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising:
- a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;
a transport chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the fluid enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component and from a plurality of directions; and
a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus of anodizing a component, preferably aluminum, is disclosed. The component is placed in an electrolyte solution. A number of pulses are applied to the solution and component. Each pulse is formed by a pattern including having three magnitudes. The third magnitude is less, preferably substantially less, than the first and second magnitudes, and all three magnitudes are of the same polarity. The pulse pattern may include alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude. Other patterns may be provided. The solution is in a reaction chamber, along with at least a portion of the component. The fluid enters the reaction chamber from a transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component, preferably at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees. The inlet is preferably the cathode, and the component is the anode, whereby current flows between the cathode and the anode in another embodiment. The inlets are in a side wall such that the fluid enters the reaction chamber substantially horizontally. The reaction chamber has at least one outlet beneath the inlets. The outlet may be in a bottom wall. The fluid follows a return path, such that the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber. The component is held in a mounted position mechanically or pneumatically in various alternatives.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;
a transport chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the fluid enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component and from a plurality of directions; and
a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;
a transport chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the fluid enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component at an angle of between 15 and 70 degrees; and
a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;
means for directing the reaction fluid into the reaction chamber toward the component and from a plurality of directions, in fluid communication with the reaction chamber; and
a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the means for directing. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32)
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33. An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;
means for directing the reaction fluid into the reaction chamber toward the component at an angle of between 15 and 70 degrees, in fluid communication with the reaction chamber; and
a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the means for directing.
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34. A method of electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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placing at least a portion of the component in a reaction chamber;
directing a reaction fluid from a transport chamber into the reaction chamber toward the component at an angle of between 15 and 70 degrees, in fluid communication with the reaction chamber; and
circulating the fluid back to the transport chamber.
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35. A method of electrolytically treating a component comprising:
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placing at least a portion of the component in a reaction chamber;
directing a reaction fluid from a transport chamber into the reaction chamber toward the component from a plurality of directions; and
circulating the fluid back to the transport chamber.
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Specification