Patent ID: 6547945
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
An electrochemical cell having an operative condition for electrochemically treating an article, which comprises:a first electrode which is integrally attached to the electrochemical cell and which has an electrode chamber for receiving an electrolyte and for receiving a second electrode, the first electrode having a portion of the electrode which extends about the electrode chamber; a second electrode which is the article being treated and which is removably disposed in the electrode chamber at a location inwardly of said portion of the first electrode under said operative condition; a first conduit for supplying electrolyte to the electrode chamber under said operative condition; a second conduit for removing electrolyte from the electrode chamber under said operative conditions; wherein the electrochemical cell has an opening for removably receiving the article which forms the second electrode and through which the electrode extends under said normal operative condition; and wherein the first electrode extends about the second electrode leaving a gap therebetween which is adapted to provide an electrolyte passage under said operative condition, the electrolyte passage having a first opening formed by the gap which extends about the second electrode and which places the electrolyte passage in flow communication with the first conduit for supplying electrolyte to the electrolyte passage under said operative condition and a second opening formed by the gap which is spaced axially from the first opening, the second opening extending about the second electrode which places the electrolyte passage in flow communication with the second conduit for removing electrolyte from the electrolyte passage under said operative condition.