US1139686A - Apparatus for removing tarnish from metals. - Google Patents

Description

M. H. KEYT" APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TARNiSH FROM METALS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB 14, I913.

Patented May 18, 1915.

' electrolytically UNrrsD s'rnass raassr eerie MARSHALL H. KEYT, or ouroaoo, ILLINOIS.

. APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TAENISTi-It FROM METALS.

cense.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented allay 18, 1915.

Application filed February 14, 1913. Serial No. 748,340.

,metals, and the invention consists in the peculiar construction of a combined electrode and container which is adapted for use 1n the cleanlng'of silverware, surgical instruments and other articles having tar- *nished surfaces.

- In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective View of the combined electrode and cont'ainer. Fig. 2' is a vertical section through I a vessel containing the electrolyte, showing themanner of using the electrode and .con-

tainer. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the removablb bottom of the electrode and container detached. Fig. 4- is a cross section showing'the manner of supporting the removable bottom within the container and in electrical connection therewith.

My improved apparatus is designed for use in simultaneously cleaning metallic ar ticles such as table. silverware from food or dirt adhering thereto, and also removing the tarnish or corrosion on themetallic surface. The electrolytic removal of the tarnish or corrosion has heretofore been ac complished by immersing the articles to be brightened in an electrolyte in contact with an anode of more electro-positive character. It has been found in practice that this anode looses its efiiciency in a short time due to the formation of an oxid on its surface which prevents electrical contact between the same and the articles to be cleaned and also interferes with the operation of the electrolyte. .Therefore, to maintain the effi ciency of the'anode, it must be frequently" removed and cleaned from corrosion. The cleaning may be most effectively accomplished by scouring or treatmentwlth a dilute acid which has an affinity for the oxid, and a flat plate may be cleaned more readily than a curved or bent surface. On the other hand, the electrolytic action is increased iii-proportion to the extent in surface oithe anode and it is not essential that all portions of this extended surface should be entirely free from corrosion, if there is a portion having a bright surface for contact with the metallic articles to be cleaned.

\Vith my improved apparatus, 1 have facilitated the brightening of the portion of the anode which is to, contact with the articles to be cleaned by forming it as a fiat removable plate, while the surface of the anode is extended by side walls which also form abasket or receptacle for the articles to be cleaned. All portions of this basket will thus operate as an anode when immersed in the electrolyte, but it is only necessary to remove the corrosion from the fiat bottom plate alone to restore efficiency whenever it is impaired.

In detail, A isa basket-like receptacle formed of an electro-positive metal such as zinc, and which is provided with sides preferably having perforations B therein.

C are handles secured to the sides and pro ecting upward therefrom so that the operator may immerse and withdraw the basket from the electrolyte without wetting his hands with the solution. v

D is the removable bottom plate of the anode, which is formed of the same metal and is preferably perforated. This plate rests upon marginal flanges or ledges E" formed on the sides of the basket and may be normally held in position by 'suitable means such as the spring clips F struck out from the ends of the basket. These in normal position extend over the bottom and prevent it from displacment, but at any time 'by springing outward the clips F the bottom may be removed.

One important object of my invention is to adapt the apparatus for simultaneously operating electrolytically and for cleaning the articles from foreign substances adher ing thereto such as the food upon. table silverware. This is accomplished by the formation of the basket with perforations through which the cleaning solution may freely flow, and by selecting as a cleaning agent a solution having the combined property of a cleanser and an electrolyte, As it is not necessary for the operator to place his hands in the'solution by reason of the handles C, this solution may be used as hot as desirable.

In operation the soiled and tarnished articles to be cleaned and brightened are first placed in the basket A, While the solution 'forming the electrolyte and cleanser is placed in another receptacle G of sufficient size to receive the basket. The basket may then be immersed in the solution and by raising and lowering it the liquid is caused to flow through the perforations and the interstices between the articles contained in the basket so as to wash oil adhering portions of food. At the same time the elec-. trolytic action is taking place and all tarnish I is thereby decomposed leaving the bright metallic surface. The basket may then be lifted out from the solution and immersed in hot water for rinsing, after which it is merely necessary to wipe the articles 'to render them both bright and clean.

Where articles are badly tarnished the electrolytic decomposition will produce a corresponding coating with corrosion of the surface of the electrode which would destroy further electrolytic action. This defect may be quickly remedied by springing out the clips F, removing the bottom plate D and securing the latter with an abrasive material such as sand paper or by rubbing it With an acid solution such as lemon juice.

- It is not necessary to clean the entire basket metal, the bottom of said basket being dc tachable and formed of a fiat plate of the same metal, and means integral with said container for locking'said plate-from accidental disengagement.

2. An apparatus for cleaning and removing tarnish from metals, comprisinga'basket or container having ledges or shoulders extending inward therefrom, and a' detachable bottom plate resting upon said ledges or shoulders, both elementsbeing formed of the same electro-positive meta- 3. An apparatus for cleaning and removing tarnish from metals, comprising a basket or container having perforated side walls and ledges or shoulders extending inward therefrom, a perforated bottom plate resting upon said ledges or shoulders, and a spring clip struck up from a portion of the side for retaining said bottom plate from disengagement, all being formed of the same electro-positive metal.

4. An apparatus for cleaningand removing tarnish from metals, comprising a basket or container having perforated sides with inwardly extending ledges or shoulders, handles secured to and extending 'upward beyond said sides, a detachable bottom plate resting upon said ledges or shoulders, and spring clips struck out from the opposite sides for holding said bottom plate from ac-. cidental disengagement.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

MARSHALL H. KEYT.

Witnesses:

WM. BELKNAI, JAMES P. BARRY.

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