Patent ID: 6251233
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A method for producing an electric arc discharge comprising the steps of:feeding a plurality of electrode members, in series and end-to-end, through an electrode housing to an electric arc discharge position so that one of the plurality of electrode members is in the electric arc discharge position at a time;gripping the one electrode member with a gripping means and periodically opening said gripping means, the step of feeding the plurality of electrode members including pushing the one electrode member toward the electric arc discharge position while said gripping means is open; andsupplying electric power to the one electrode member as the one electrode member is fed to the electric arc discharge position and to an anode proximate the one electrode member, so that the one electrode member and the anode become oppositely charged with the one electrode having a cathodic charge and the anode having an anodic charge, and create an electric arc discharge between the one electrode member and the anode, so that the plurality of electrode members are vaporized, in continuous series, at the electric arc discharge position.