Patent ID: 7211767
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A system for treating a conductive component, the system comprising: a power source; an interface configured to electrically connect with a surface of the conductive component; and a controller coupled to the power source and the interface, the controller being configured to pass electric current from the power source through the interface and the component to melt tips of a set of cracks along the surface of the component; wherein the interface includes a first electrode configured to reside adjacent a first side of the set of cracks, and a second electrode configured to reside adjacent a second side of the set of cracks to direct the electric current from the first side of the set of cracks, beneath the set of cracks, to the second side of the set of cracks, to create localized melting of dislocations within the tips of the set of cracks; wherein the controller, when passing the electric current through the interface and the component, is configured to: apply, as the electric current, a series of electric pulses through the first and second electrodes of the interface.