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  Enhanced edge protectorUSPTO Application #: 20060091004Title: Enhanced edge protector Abstract: An edge protector for an electrode found in the electro-winning process. The protector uses an inner core configured to accept an edge of the electrode. This inner core is made from a first material which is chosen because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. Pliable lips, made from a resilient second material chosen due to its flexible nature, form a seal with the faces of the electrode. The pliable lips and the inner core are covered by a resilient skin made from a third material which withstands impace damage to the edge protector. (end of abstract) Agent: Mark E. Ogram - Tucson, AZ, US Inventor: William Ebert USPTO Applicaton #: 20060091004 - Class: 204288300 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemistry: Electrical And Wave Energy, Apparatus, Electrolytic, Elements, Electrodes, With Electrode Supporting Means, Including Resilient Means (e.g., Spring, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060091004. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to refining processes and more particularly to cathode construction as used in electro-deposition processes. [0002] Spurred by the introduction of electro-plating in 1840, the electro-deposition process has been used for the refining of many minerals including copper. Copper is extracted from the ore using large metal sheets made of titanium or stainless steel. These sheets are suspended in tanks containing the copper ore, a 5%-10% solution of sulfuric acid, plus other chemicals. [0003] Low voltage/high amperage direct current electricity is applied, using lead as the anode, and the titanium/stainless steel plate as the cathode. The copper is electro-deposited (plated) on the metal to a pre-determined time/thickness. [0004] Removal of the deposited copper requires the "peeling" of the copper from the cathode using a "knife" arrangement. Should the copper become deposited around the edge of the cathode, then its removal is significantly encumbered. [0005] There is a significant need to provide for a mechanism which curtails depositing of the copper into a defined area. To this end, a variety of techniques have been developed including the use of various edge strips of CPVC, HDPE, Sponge/Spring combinations, etc. [0006] All too often though, the edge strips break due to rough handling, copper getting underneath the strips, impact, age, etc. Protection such as wax, silicone, etc., must be re-applied each cycle; these are messy and create occupational and safety hazards, increase production costs. [0007] Another problem associated with traditional edge strips is that when they are exposed to the high temperatures of their working environment, the materials used in the edge strip tend to degrade or unduly expand; this creates gaps in the seal between the edge protector and the cathode (allowing copper to be deposited in these gaps). [0008] Gaps in the seals are also created during the grinding process to clean the cathode for subsequent uses. This narrows the width of the cathode; hence, the edge protector (designed for a particular width cathode) does not seal as well as it previously did. [0009] When the edge strips break or fails to form a proper seal around the edge of the cathode, removal of the deposited copper is a major problem. [0010] It is clear that there is a need for an improved method for controlling the deposit of ores onto cathodes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] The present invention creates an improved edge protector for an electrode found in the electro-winning process. As noted earlier, the edge protector is placed around the edges of the cathode to keep electro-winning from occurring along the edges of the electrode. [0012] To this end, the protector uses an inner core configured to accept an edge of the electrode. The inner core is configured substantially as a "U" to encircle the edge of the electrode and extend a short distance along the opposing faces of the electrode. [0013] This inner core is made from a first material which is chosen because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. One such material is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) commercially available from GE Plastics Inc. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize other materials which are suitable for this purpose. [0014] A seal along the faces of the electrode is provided using a pair of pliable lips which are secured to the inner core. The pliable lips are made from a resilient material chosen due its flexible nature, thereby creating a satisfactory seal with the edges of the electrode. [0015] While those of ordinary skill readily recognize a variety of materials which serve this function, the preferred embodiment uses a Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (FPVC) commercially available from GE Plastics Inc. [0016] The inner core is covered by a resilient skin made from a third material which protects the edge protector from physical damage. The skin forms a layer of protection for the electrode from physical damage created during the handling and movement of the electrode. [0017] The preferred embodiment of the invention uses an Acrylic Polyvinyl Chloride (APVC) for the skin. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize a variety of materials which are useable in providing this protective skin. One such product is commercially available from Viking Inc. and has a Heat Deflection Temperature in excess of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. [0018] The electrode created by this invention is extremely durable and capable of withstanding the high heat associated with the electro-winning process. Further, because of the excellent seal created, electro-deposition along the edge of the electrode is minimized. [0019] The invention will be more clearly described by the accompanying drawing and the following descriptions thereof. DRAWINGS IN BRIEF [0020] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment illustrating the preferred dimension of the edge protector. DRAWINGS IN DETAIL Continue reading... Full patent description for Enhanced edge protector Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Enhanced edge protector patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Enhanced edge protector or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Reducing power consumption in electro-refining or electro-winning of metal Next Patent Application: Electolytic processing apparatus Industry Class: Chemistry: electrical and wave energy ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Enhanced edge protector patent info. 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