Electrolytic etching apparatus and method for marking metal tubes with sequential identification numbers
US4944856A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An electrolytic etching apparatus employs a continuous stencil imprinted with a sequence of identification numbers and includes spaced spools and upper and lower electrodes defining an etching station located between the spools. The stencil extends between the spools and is moved by rotatably indexing the spools to position successive ones of the identification numbers over the lower electrode for etching on a successive one of the metal tubes. A wicking pad is draped over the lower electrode below the stencil and has one end extending into a reservoir of electrolyte also located below the stencil. The wicking pad draws up electrolyte by capillary action to provide a steady flow of the electrolyte to the portion of the wicking pad located directly below a portion of the stencil located at the etching station. The upper electrode is mounted for movement toward and away from the lower electrode and the wicking pad and stencil portions. One tube to be marked is placed between the upper electrode and the stencil portion. The upper electrode is moved downwardly to press the tube against the stencil portion and thereby against the wicking pad portion and lower electrode. A voltage is the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.