Patent ID: 9249521
Filing Date: 2016-02-02
CPC Classification: C25D

Claim Text:
1. A mobile anode electrodeposition applicator tool for use in selective electrodeposition of a metallic material on a surface of a workpiece comprising: an applicator housing containing at least one consumable electrodeposition anode insert; a fluid connection for the flow of an electrodeposition electrolyte solution comprising metallic ions to be cathodically deposited through the consumable electrodeposition anode insert; an electrical connection for supplying current from a power supply to the mobile consumable electrodeposition anode insert and the workpiece; the consumable electrodeposition anode insert having a minimum porosity of 5% including: a permanent substrate which is electrochemically inert and pervious to the electrodeposition electrolyte, a sacrificial anode metallic coating/layer provided on the permanent substrate and having a thickness between 1 micron and 5 cm, the sacrificial anode metallic coating/layer being an active consumable electrodeposition anode material capable of being anodically dissolved to form metal ions in the electrodeposition electrolyte and cathodically deposited as a metallic material on the workpiece when current is flowing between the electrical connection of the mobile consumable electrodeposition anode insert and the workpiece during electrodeposition; and an electrically non-conductive, electrodeposition electrolyte pervious absorber positioned between and in intimate contact with both the consumable electrodeposition anode insert and the workpiece; wherein the applicator housing is at least partially conductive, and further includes an insulating frame member configured to prevent the applicator housing from participating in the electrodeposition of the metallic material on the workpiece surface, the insulating frame member being interposed between and separating the applicator housing and the absorber and including a cavity for housing the consumable electrodeposition anode insert, the opening of the insulating member defining an electrolytic interfacial area, wherein each of the consumable electrodeposition anode insert and the absorber exhibits has an electrodeposition electrolyte flow rate therethrough of one of at least 1 ml/min per applied Ampere average anodic current or peak anodic current and at least 1 ml/(min×cm